Language is a major part of cultural expression, however that doesn’t mean it is all of it. While I was studying abroad in Spain I lived in the Basque territory. I am not sure how familiar you all may be with Basque people, but they have their own language. I do not refer to a dialect, as it has no Latin base and no similarities to any other languages spoken through out the world. The Basque Separatist movement is the fight of its people against the Spanish government to carve out their own independent land. A large part driving this movement is the tie to the language, and how the Basque people feel like they are losing their language.
We have discussed throughout this class the idea of an identity. Language is a strong part of any person’s identity regardless of where they come from. The Basque separatist movement is just an extreme example supporting that. However, I do not feel that the growing importance of the English language throughout the world is threatening to homogenize cultural expression. The English languages aim isn’t to take over the world and void out all other languages, rather I believe it to be an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of communication channels between cultures and throughout the world.
I strongly agree with the idea for English to be taught as a mandatory second language so we can streamline our global communication efforts, however I do not agree with the idea if English were to be taught in place of a cultures first language, because it is at this point that people would be losing a part of their identity.
I actually find it quite interesting that English is the language taking over. When in Europe I noticed how a large portion of the population was fluent in more then just their native dialect; however in English speaking countries such as the US, many of its citizens only know English. I also find it interesting how the US is a major world power, and due to this fact I am definitely left asking myself, had the major world power turned out to be China, would we all be fluent in Chinese and other languages in order to just live our everyday lives?
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i've been to some parts of europe and its amazing that most italians, dutch etc... can communicate in French
There are two opposing views about the 'hegemoy of English language'. One view suggests that English is becoming instrumental in cultural homogenization (see Phillpson's Linguistic Imperialism') and the other view, which you support, is that English might give opportunities to the voiceless communities around the globe to express their concerns. I peronally think that it depends on the intention of the usage of English language.