Analyzing the Effects of the English Language on Our Nation - Free Essay Example

Analyzing the Effects of the English Language on Our Nation A. Language. We see, hear, and use it every day. Language may vary in form and size. Today, English language is recognized as a world language and commonly used in many cultures. However, hundreds of different languages exist in the world and some issues may arise when English is not the native language of a speaker. The languages differ widely in terms of the number of people who use them. Stereotypes and generalizations are formed on non-native speakers when English proficiency is enforced. Social, cultural, and economic factors have an impact on the manner and extent to which language unifies and divides our nation. B. In society, the media is a language tool commonly used to represent a material and social infrastructure for communication among people. Hjarvard mentions in an article that the media is a characteristic of society and â€Å"quite naturally has an imprint on language† (Hjarvard 75). The media has and will continue to serve as a vital necessity for international communication, both formal and informal. Hjarvard continues to state the fact that â€Å"language both in political and commercial contexts and intercultural exchanges act as bridges between people who cross cultural frontiers or like to enrich their lives with media products from abroad† (Hjarvard 76). Consumers should consider their personal and social values for themselves rather than society as a whole. The media may influence ones decision to purchase a particular product based on the message communicated to the audience; however, the final decision belongs to the individual themselves. Along with the idea that many social influences are expressed through the media, the issue of miscommunication or misunderstanding may come up. The use of improper or â€Å"broken English† by non-native English speakers may cause native English speakers to generalize the idea that speakers of other languages are uneducated and often discriminated. Amy Tan is particular individual who has shared an experience where non-native speakers of English use the language on a limited level. According to Amy, people made the limited English seem â€Å"as if every is limited, including peoples perceptions of the limited English speaker† (Tan 122). Instead of jumping into false accusations of non-native English speakers, society should have an open mind that these speakers are capable of communicating their message properly if given the chance to do so. Non-native speakers can improve their knowledge of the proper grammatical usage of the English language in order to add clarity to their speech and interaction between others in any society where English is spoken. In terms of the economy, opportunities for jobs have become widely available to individuals all around the world. In many nations, the demands for English teachers are high in order to educate the citizens of their cultural society to integrate a global awareness of universal language. Block states in his article that â€Å"as a result, there has recently been an altogether more reflective and refined approach to language teaching methods and their transferability around the world as well as to the cultural appropriacy of particular language teaching materials in different parts of the world† (Block 76). However, there is a mutual benefit between native and non-native speakers of English. In fact, Foroudastan states that that the â€Å"lack of linguistic unity costs the government money as it spends millions of dollars translating public documents and providing translation services† (Foroudastan 1). People of a different ethnic background who speak their native language may find a stable career in dialectal translation. This way, we have a win-win situation. C. In an increasingly globalized world, the level of agreement with international issues varies from civilization to civilization. Language is a vital tool used to communicate the facts of these issues and may divide nations more rather than unify them. English is a common language people use whenever they wish to communicate with others outside their own linguistic community. Some nations disagree with the idea of Western dominance and control among other indigenous civilizations. Block argues in his article that others see language as a â€Å"sociological descriptor of events going on around us† (Block 75). This is how everyone around the world knows about the international affairs that may affect ones cultural society, the nations economy, and politics. D. In a realistic world, the world would be a perfect place if every civilization came to agreement on international issues that affect every cultures society, economy, and politics. Unfortunately, many may find themselves dreaming about this occurrence because it seems impossible. There are, however, courses of steps that nations can implement to improve the conditions of language on their society as a whole. Money has always been used as an incentive to persuade consumers to adapt to the popular interests of society that benefit economies and businesses all around the world today. It is possible for individuals or people to have the best thing or experience that would benefit for themselves. Krauss believes that â€Å"in order for countries and governments to improve their economies, they must trade or do business with other foreign countries (Krauss 1). Obviously, the foreign country that they’re dealing with would have a different language and culture. The use and the spread of the English language across the globe would be extremely helpful in a situation like this. Having a universal language for everyone to speak would be beneficial, since it provides a common ground for everyone to communicate and settle cultural differences aside, uniting people of all different ethnicities. Another possible approach to improve the global influence of language, particularly English is to send a team of certified English teachers to foreign countries to educate students on the proper usage of English in any society they may find themselves in. Teaching English as a second language to speakers of other languages is a career that exists today. Many nations are demanding the need for English teachers to provide a cultural, societal, economic, and political affects of the English language. These teachers would need to attend school and obtain a degree that verifies their understanding and knowledge of teaching English. Tutoring during the summer break would be a great opportunity for teachers to travel abroad and spend valuable time non-native speakers and even obtain an eye-opening experience of life in certain cultures. Annotated Bibliography Block, David. â€Å"Globalization and language teaching. † Key Concepts in ELT. 1 Jan. 2004. Web. 17 Apr. 2010. In this article, the author defines globalization as an increase in international social relations that unite local cultures in a way where local occurrences are shaped by events that occur around the world. Five areas of common issues that are disagreed up by many civilizations are addressed by the author. In addition, specific examples are used in the article to describe the effect of globalization on teaching language . The article focuses on suggestions that language teachers should consider when approaching the situation. This article was very informative and served as an eye-opener. Foroudastan, Cameron. â€Å"Language unification adds benefits. † Campus Carrier Guest Writer. 3 Dec. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2010. The author of this article stresses the fact that language does indeed unify nations and provides many social and economic benefits. Foroudastan argues that in order for a integrated literate nation, English should be considered the official language of America. English as a universal language would eliminate the issue of the need for translators of different languages. The author also mentions the fact that proficiency in English is correlated to educational success. This article was descriptive in that the author mentions the aspects of unification that language provides. Hjarvard, Stig. â€Å"The Globalization of Language: How the media contribute to the spread of English and the emergence of medialects. † Plenary Session III. 2003. Web. 17 Apr. 2010. In this article, the author analyzes the role of media in the spread of English as well as the media-bound varieties of language. Hjarvard believes that the media is a component of culture and contributes to the globalization on the virtues of institutional structures. The author includes many specific examples as to what types of media have the most impact on society and culture. Whether the media are computers, television, music, etc. The author argues that English is not the only language being spread through the linguistic effects of the media. In addition, the media also affects the process of social and cultural distinction in certain civilizations. This article was very descriptive and informative. Krauss, Michael. â€Å"Language and Culture threatened by Globalization. † Alaska Native Language Center. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2010. This article describes the depreciation of culture and language as vital values to hold true to in society. The author mentions specific methods and examples as to society should approach the issue of globalization to preserve the economy in a culture. The author also explains the positive results of her suggestions on society and culture as a whole. Krauss also states the reality that globalization has always been an major issue in different cultures and societies around the world. This article was descriptive and informative. Tan, Amy. â€Å"Mother Tongue. † The New World Reader. Ed. Carrie Brandon. Boston: New York, 2008. 120-125. Print. Tan describes a personal experience on the variations of Englishness one may use depending on the situation and the receiver of the expressed language by the speaker. Certain instances may require the switch from informal to formal dialogue. The author focuses on the power of language that may present a variety of expressions. Tan describes an instance that resulted in the limited perception of her mother due to her â€Å"broken English†. The common generalization that non-native speakers are uneducated often leads to misunderstandings and misconceptions. This article stresses the value of English proficiency in society for proper treatment as a sophisticated individual. This article was descriptive and informative.