Globalization has brought forth many
changes to the world and a homogenized culture is one of the consequences of
this process. It is seen as an attempt to weaken, devaluate or eradicate the
cultural existence of many individuals (Berry, 2008). An example of the
repercussions is the trend of being apathetic towards native languages or
dialects mainly due to the rise of English.
English in some countries is a language
used whenever people 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 in daily conversations of people from
different countries becomes more prevalent. There are also many words and
phrases which have been borrowed from English (Jensen, 2013). An illustration
of this 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. As a result,
the fear of losing native languages escalates.
The issue is further aggravated by the
acquisition of a single language in some nations during the process of
nation-state formation. Additionally, some countries banned the use of dialects
and languages of the minorities (Hjarvard, n.d.). It is much anticipated that
these dialects will continue to lose their value and presence in the society
gradually. Hence, alteration of attitudes should be attained with the
assistance of the media, government bodies and the public, to preserve these
valuable dialects.
Political parties play a prominent role
in protecting countries' native languages or dialects. The integration of
dialects preservation into Norway’s national language policy 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 worthless. Thus, earlier
generations of Singaporeans can adopt another approach to save their dialects
from extinction, just like First Peoples Worldwide: a global institution which
advocates culture and language conservation (First Peoples Worldwide, 2013).
Such organizations could be established in Singapore, with the aim of
circulating information and raising awareness of 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 is another useful platform for
dialects preservation. In the past, 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 of the people
(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 (Samovar & Porter, 2005). An example to
illustrate the power of media is the influence American’s culture has on
Singapore teenagers as they watched Disney channel movies such as High School
Musical.
Media is seen as a double edged sword:
it may discourage the use of native languages just like the aforementioned
example on Singapore young generation’s capability of conversing in dialects,
it also possesses a considerable potential to disseminate knowledge about
native cultures and languages (Hjarvard, n.d.). People from the media
industry should make a conscious effort to promote dialects usage which is
achievable through music, drama or variety programs. Nevertheless, regardless
of how powerful media is, it requires the support of political parties and the
public to obtain success in this matter.
Finally, though English competency is
crucial to ensure effective intercultural communication, the proficiency of
native languages should be equivalently prioritized. As quoted from First
Peoples Worldwide (2013), “The loss of a language represents the loss of much
of that community’s cultural heritage, autonomy, power and connectivity”. Thus,
the loss of native language should not be underestimated.
Word count: 676
References
Berry, J.W. (2008).
Globalisation and acculturation. International Journal of Intercultural
relations, 32. 328-336.
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.
First
Peoples Worldwide. (2013). Celebrating and Preserving Indigenous Language.
Retrieved from http://firstpeoples.org/wp/celebrating-and-preserving-indigenous-language/
Hjarvard, S. (n.d.).
The Globalization of Language: How the Media Contribute to the Spread of
English and the Emergence of Medialects. 75-97.
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
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.
