Draft
A homogenized culture has said to be the
resultant of globalization, along with the facilitation of media. Globalization
is also seen as attempts to weaken, devaluate or eradicate the cultural
existence of many individuals (Berry, 2008). Some of the repercussions are
change of attitudes and being apathetic towards native languages or dialects due
to the rise of English.
English is a language used by people whenever
there is a need to 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 society. 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.
Solutions
Governments and the
public
Political parties play a prominent role in
protecting their own native languages or dialects. The integration of dialects
preservation into Norway’s policy of national language is an example some
efforts of the government (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 (like parents) especially 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. Organizations like this can circulate information and raise
awareness on the various dialects or native languages through programs and
campaigns. With the collaboration of 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
generations 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”. Media is powerful but it requires the support of political
parties and the public to obtain success in this matter.
Rather than viewing
English as detrimental, some informants of Johnson (2009) regarded
globalization as a process which associates people from distinct background and
enables the interchange of notions from one culture to another.
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/
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