The Power of Language
The Power of Language
In the text “Can English be dethroned?”, Roland Breton(2000) points that English is one of the most widespread use of languages in the world. He believes that the growth of economic globalization affects the use of English. In addition, he thinks that cultural imperialism has a great impact on “language wars”. Breton also states, “the best way to kill off a language is to teach another one”. I partially agree with the writer. I think that the writer makes a relevant point when he says the economic globalization is closely related to the widespread use of English and cultural imperialism is much more subtle than economic imperialism. However, in my opinion teaching another language cannot be a part of killing off a language.
I agree with the writer that economic globalization is closely related to the widespread use of English with respect to its history of development and its importance around the world. To begin with, the Industrial Revolution was born in Britain and the world’s most important financial center was London, which made English the language of business (Fox, 2000). Later, after economic globalization, we see English everywhere. It is not only the language of the business but also the politics, computers and the Internet. Moreover, English’s linguistic impact also plays a role in the entertainment industry. Most popular songs, movies, shows, best seller books are in English. Hence, I find Breton’s criticisms about English’s importance after economic globalization both valid and realistic.
I definitely agree with the writer that cultural imperialism is much more subtle and visible than economic imperialism. Without a doubt, culture is the most important thing which belongs to a nation. That is the reason why most of the major powers apply linguistic strategies in Third World countries. To illustrate, Robert Phillipson notes on his book, Language Imperialism, that the arguments which says
In the text “Can English be dethroned?”, Roland Breton(2000) points that English is one of the most widespread use of languages in the world. He believes that the growth of economic globalization affects the use of English. In addition, he thinks that cultural imperialism has a great impact on “language wars”. Breton also states, “the best way to kill off a language is to teach another one”. I partially agree with the writer. I think that the writer makes a relevant point when he says the economic globalization is closely related to the widespread use of English and cultural imperialism is much more subtle than economic imperialism. However, in my opinion teaching another language cannot be a part of killing off a language.
I agree with the writer that economic globalization is closely related to the widespread use of English with respect to its history of development and its importance around the world. To begin with, the Industrial Revolution was born in Britain and the world’s most important financial center was London, which made English the language of business (Fox, 2000). Later, after economic globalization, we see English everywhere. It is not only the language of the business but also the politics, computers and the Internet. Moreover, English’s linguistic impact also plays a role in the entertainment industry. Most popular songs, movies, shows, best seller books are in English. Hence, I find Breton’s criticisms about English’s importance after economic globalization both valid and realistic.
I definitely agree with the writer that cultural imperialism is much more subtle and visible than economic imperialism. Without a doubt, culture is the most important thing which belongs to a nation. That is the reason why most of the major powers apply linguistic strategies in Third World countries. To illustrate, Robert Phillipson notes on his book, Language Imperialism, that the arguments which says