Problem
A
homogenized culture is said to be the resultant of globalization, along with
the facilitation of media. Globalization is also seen as an attempt to weaken,
devaluate or eradicate the cultural existence of many individuals (Berry,
2008). Some of the repercussions are change of attitudes and the trend of being
apathetic towards native languages or dialects due to the rise of English.
English
is a language used by people whenever they converse with persons beyond their
own linguistic community. The term ‘linguistic imperialism’ is utilized by
Hjarvard (n.d.) to describe this phenomenon. It reduces the authenticity of
native languages as the trend of including English words into daily
conversations of people from different countries becomes more prevalent.
Furthermore, there have been many words and phrases which are borrowed from
English (Jensen, 2013). As a result, the fear of losing native languages
escalates. The issue is further aggravated by the acquisition of single
language for the nation during the process of nation-state formation.
Additionally, some countries banned the use of dialects and languages of the
minorities (Hjarvard, n.d.).
An
illustration of the aforementioned phenomenon: the younger generation in
Singapore is less capable of conversing in dialects such as Hokkien, Cantonese
or Teochew due to the encouragement of English usage required in a globalized community.
It is much anticipated that these dialects will gradually lose their value and
presence in the society. Hence, alteration of attitudes should be done with the
assistance of media, government bodies and the public, to preserve these
valuable dialects.
Solution
Governments and the public
Political
parties play a prominent role in protecting countries' native languages or
dialects. The integration of dialects preservation into Norway’s policy of
national language is an example of government's efforts (Hjarvard, no date).
Learning of native languages such as dialects could be introduced in schools
and this approach may be feasible because governments are influential.
Nonetheless, there is a possibility that this approach may backfire as the
public (especially parents) in the context of Singapore, may view learning of
dialects as downgrading and useless. Thus, earlier generations of Singapore can
adopt another approach to save their dialects from extinction, just like First
Peoples Worldwide: a global institution founded by the natives to advocate for
culture and language conservation (First Peoples Worldwide, 2013). Such
organizations could be established in Singapore, with the aim of circulating
information and raising awareness on the various dialects or native languages
through programs and campaigns. With collaboration between the public and
government bodies, the likelihood of language extinction may be significantly
diminished.
Media
Media
is another useful platform for dialects preservation. Back then, indoctrination
of societal values into the younger generation was executed by religion and
educational systems. However, this role has been replaced by mass media which
is now one of the most prominent and significant forces used to educate the
majority (Firouzeh, 2004). People are now voluntarily or involuntarily in touch
with cultural information which does not belong to them due to the expeditious
development of mass media or internet (Samovar & Porter, 2005).
Furthermore,
media is seen as a double edged sword: an influential tool that can be used to
learn English but at the same time, possesses the considerable potential to disseminate
knowledge about native cultures, languages and dialects (Hjarvard, n.d.). A conscious effort should be engaged by
people from the media industry to promote dialects usage which is achievable
through music, dramas or variety programs.
Conclusion
Though
English competency is crucial to ensure effective intercultural communication,
the proficiency of native languages should be equivalently prioritized. The
loss of native languages and dialects should never be underestimated. As
mentioned in the newsletter of First Peoples Worldwide, “the loss of a language
represents the loss of much of that community’s cultural heritage, autonomy,
power and connectivity” (First Peoples Worldwide, 2013). Media is powerful but
it requires the support of political parties and the public to obtain success
in this matter.
Finally,
English is undeniably beneficial as it associates people from distinct
background and enables the interchange of notions from one culture to another
despite the fact that it threatens the existence of dialects and native
languages (Johnson, 2009).
Word
count: 693
References
Berry, J.W. (2008). Globalisation and acculturation.
International Journal of Intercultural relations, 32. 328-336.
Hjarvard, S. (n.d.). The Globalization of Language:
How the Media Contribute to the Spread of English and the Emergence of
Medialects. 75-97.
Firouzeh, N. (2004). The Globalisation and
Homogenisation of Culture: The Role of Mass Medias in Developing Countries.
Human Ecology Special Issue No. 12: 235-239.
Johnson, A. (2009). The Rise of English: The
Language of Globalization in China and the European Union. Macalester
International Vol. 22. 131-168.
Samovor, L.A. & Porter, R.E. (2005).
Understanding culture: Alternative views of reality (5th ed.). Australia, Canada,
Mexico, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, United States: Thomson.
Jensen, L.T. (2013). Coping with the dominance of
English: a view from Denmark. Retrieved from
http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/coping-with-the-dominance-of-english-denmark
First Peoples Worldwide. (2013). Celebrating and
Preserving Indigenous Language. Retrieved from
http://firstpeoples.org/wp/celebrating-and-preserving-indigenous-language/
