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dominance of english language in the world
language, culture, and identity
how social factors influence the language and society
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ne of the essential ingredients of a nation is the existence of a common language. Such a language is both useful and convenient medium for exchange of thoughts as well as a great unifying force. The ties of a common tongue are very close and strong.
It is often observed that India is a Babel of tongues without any national language. The observation is far from true. India is a large country -almost a continent- peopled with several races and communities, having their own native tongues. Nevertheless, even in the past, it had some common language, binding together different sections of its people. In the hoary past, Sanskrit played this crucial role and subsequently Prakrit took its place to a certain extent.
India had its own share of languages. During the Muslim period,
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In order to consolidate their rule, they introduced the English language and, with the passage of years, the study of English became increasingly popular. Gradually, this language ousted Urdu and other native languages from the official sphere altogether. For the purpose of administration and all other official work, English became the most important language all over the country.
One of the principal means to strengthen inner and deeper unity of India is to evolve speedily a national language for the entire country. Hindi has officially been accepted as our National Language, but unfortunately it has not found place in the hearts of our people, particularly in the South. In fact, a bitter and tragic controversy has developed over the issue of Hindi replacing English in official and educational spheres.
Consequently, though more than five decades have elapsed since the dawn of independence, we have yet to evolve a language that is warmly accepted by all sections of the people as the language of the whole nation. Thus the crux of language problem is to find which language should be the national language for the country as a
Nevertheless, having two official languages does not restrict an individual from learning a different language or communicating with it – in fact, it is favored. What having two official languages does however, it allows people from different backgrounds to understand each other and their worldviews: creating a sense of
Language can bring people together but can also isolate. The United States is known as a melting pot, not only does that refer to culture but also the many different languages. We know of language barriers, but very seldom do we think of the language barriers within our borders. Even with the language barriers it solidifies the need for a national language, the United States of America should allow the freedom to express one’s culture while maintaining English as our national language, therefore offering common ground to its citizens.
The people of America need to reshape the country in which we live, to show off the patriotism expressed so warmly after the horrific attacks of September 11. American citizens must come to unison with the most vital tool we can use to combat those problems, our communication between different dialects. Senator Hayakawa writes in his essay, The Case for Official English, that ?[i]t is with a common la...
Mujica, Mauro E. “Why the U.S Needs an Official Language.” Worldandi.com. 2003. Web. 31 July 2011. .
For years, there has been considerable debate on whether English should be the official language of United States or not. There was a movement taking place throughout the country aimed at making English the official language. The main focus of the English Only Movement is to eliminate or limit bilingual education in public schools, prevent state and local governments from spending tax dollars on translations of road signs and government documents, and to abolish multilingual ballots. The legislation places no restrictions on which language a person speaks at home, in the community, c...
Language of a nation is greatly related to the policies exerted by a government. The groups that have some economic and political power exert linguistic influence over the minority of a country or a country that has superiority over another will have a linguistic influence over the latter. Educational policies are the major factor that is imposed by a government that decides the basic framework of a country’s education system and moves the society towards bilingual or multilingual attitudes. Also any threat to a linguistic identity of a nation may arise sentiments of hostility across them or their countries which may also viewed as a political issue. Therefore it is clear that the language is essentially related to the politics of a country (Spolsky, 1998).
Since English is widely acknowledged as the language of “political and economic adaptability,” it is technically already the official language in practice if not in theory; an official declaration of a national language would be superfluous and redundant (Nature of Language, p. 98). Also, if an official declaration of an official language were to deny services such as translation and other benefits to foreign-born immigrants and their children—as nativists advocate—then such a declaration would only serve to subvert the progress that America has made over the past centuries as the world’s melting pot. Therefore, the U.S. does not need to declare English as the official language since that would exclude many non-English-speaking Americans who have just as many rights to services and benefits as other Americans do.
One of the most important factors in the British loss of control over India was the establishment of English as a unifying language. Prior to British colonisation, India was fragmented and multi-lingual, with 15 major languages and around 720 dialects. English served as a common ground for Indians, and allowed separate cultural and ethnic groups to identify with each other, something which had rarely if ever occurred before on a grand scale. Although it was mainly educated Indians of a privileged caste who spoke English, these were the most influential people in terms of acting as facilitators for nationalist ideas to be communicated throughout the populace. The publication of magazines and journals in English was also a great influence on the rise of Indian nationalism. Although most Indians received nationalist ideas orally, these journals allowed Indians who were literate in English to come into contact with the ideas of social and political reformers.
English becoming the official Language of the United States is not just a controversial topic, it is necessary to keep America alive. American history and tradition is falling, and the ground on which she was founded is slowly fading. Americans must wake up to the importance of preserving the history of their culture. America is considered to be the greatest country in the world by even some who are not Americans. The “American Dream” is something people fantasize over all around the world. In order to keep the desire to be American, one must truly understand what it takes to be American. English is essential in living the American life. English should be the official language of the United States to give the people what they want, to recognize the historic role, and to limit controversy.
Language is universal. People voice their ideas, emotions, and thoughts across to the world through language. But, how does people’s native language play a role? A native language is a person's blueprint for their voice. Native language gives homage to people’s culture and home life. It can open doors to education and careers. Native language surrounds people, and molds people. It is plastered in books, and street signs, and helps to recollect their native country. What if language decreased to just English, and no another language existed. People would mirror one another, and have no idea of diversity. So where is it written in stone that language should be limited to English? A native language adds different circumstances in people’s life.
“The more you read the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” as quoted by Dr. Suess. Language Arts is the foundation for communication and the interpretation of English. The importance of Language Arts is quintessential to becoming the best one can be through listening and speaking, writing and reading, and visual representation skills; all of which create an effective communicator.
The role of language in the creation of a national identity is complex, controversial, but fundamentally powerful. National languages are not simply means of communication; rather they can also act as a symbolic representation of a national identity, providing insight into a nation’s perceived religious, ethnic and historical status. This essay will consider the role language plays in a national identity, questioning the power it holds and the implications it has on the notion of nationalism. Additionally, it will address whether or not the ability to plan language in relation to a national identity is really as powerful as it seems by probing into the process of language planning – what elements are considered, who is responsible for carrying out the process and what effect does it
It has led to the development of new dialects and modification of existing ones. The British Empire has been able to spread the language across the globe and to date it is the most widespread language and most used in foreign transactions. Currently, the population of non- native English speakers is higher than native English speakers. This is a clear indication that English has become an international language.
Language is nothing but a media which expresses feelings, ideas, experiences and even pains properly to others. Cultural background is the origin of language. Language is one of the channels which promote human relations and human affections. Language always unites the people and sometimes language itself diverse the people. Without the language we cannot imagine the existence of human beings on the earth. Language is a system of words that people used to express thoughts, feelings each other. The word ‘language’ derived from Latin “lingua” which means ‘tongue, speech’. The word sometimes used to refer to codes, ciphers and other kind of communication systems. For example computer programming.
Even though there are advantages as well as disadvantages, the need for international language for communication, politics, economics and security is necessary and English is the best “language candidate” for that function. English is a language spread all over the world and it is used by millions and millions of speakers. According to my opinion, people should use English as a tool to communicate with all cultures but every country must keep their culture and language is a great part of it. In conclusion, language defines identity of a country and everyone should keep their language and explore others.