Essay draft

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Draft

Introduction

A homogenized culture has said to be the resultant of globalization, along with the facilitation of media. Globalization is also seen as attempts to undermine, devaluate or eradicate their cultural existence by many individuals (Berry, 2008). Some of the repercussions are change of attitudes and one of which being apathetic in native language due to the rise of English. Fortunately, this alteration in attitudes can still be reversed with the help of media, government bodies and public.

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 being used 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, the extensive borrowing of words and expressions from English shows the importance of this language to the World (Jensen, 2013). As a result, the fear of losing native languages escalates.

The issue is further aggravated by the acquisition of single national language during the process of nation-state formation. Additionally, some countries banned the use of dialects and languages of the minorities (Hjarvard, n.d.).

Solutions

Governments and the public

Political parties play a prominent role in protecting their own native languages too. The integration of dialects preservation into Norway’s national linguistic policy is an example of governmental bodies’ contributions (Hjarvard, no date). Learning of native languages such as dialects could be introduced in schools and this approach may be feasible because governments are more influential. There is also a possibility that this approach may backfire as public (like parents) especially in the context of Singapore, may view learning of such ‘irrelevant’ dialects as downgrading and useless. Thus, public can adopt an informal approach to save the native languages from extinction. 

First Peoples Worldwide, a global institution founded by the natives is an example of public’s approach to advocate for culture and language conservation. This organization aims to circulate native knowledge, raise awareness and maintain the presence of the indigenous community which includes linguistic preservation (First Peoples Worldwide, 2012).

With the collaboration of public and governmental bodies, the likelihood of language extinction is significantly diminished.

Media

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 force for mass education (Firouzeh, 2004). People are now voluntarily or involuntarily exposed to cultural “messages” which do not belong to them due to the expeditious development of mass media or internet (Samovar & Porter, 2005).

Media is seen as a double edged sword; an influential tool that can be used to transmit English knowledge but at the same time, possesses the considerable potential to disseminate knowledge about the various cultures and languages (Hjarvard, n.d.).  A conscious effort should be engaged by people from the media industry to promote native languages which can be achieved through music or even variety programs that educate the public on different cultures and languages.

Conclusion

The loss of language 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”. Hence, media, political parties and the public have to their part to prevent this loss.

Rather than viewing English as detrimental, some informants of Johnson (2009) regard globalization as a process which associates people from distinct background and enables the interchange of notions from one culture to another. Though English competency is crucial to ensure effective intercultural communication, the proficiency of native languages should be equally prioritized and disseminated to prevent extinctions.

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 (5^th 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/