Final essay - Globalization

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/