Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mithridates]

[bacasper]

^ Mithri, can you give a quick summary of the reason why please?

[mithridates]

Okay. English is certainly not going to lose its place as the most predominant language for at least the next 50 years (no other language is even close to being able to claim that position) but its rate of expansion just isn't great enough to close the deal, and regionally powerful languages are continuing to thrive. Some examples for Spanish: Miami used to be almost all English, now the majority speaks Spanish. Trinidad and Tobago (official language English) is now aiming to be bilingual. Brazilians will start learning Spanish from elementary school, adding another 40 million people capable of using the language. Spanish isn't going to replace English but a language that is on the path to becoming a universal language simply wouldn't be losing so much territory in its own backyard.

Developed countries also often begin to lose their passion for the language when they realize it isn't really a necessity for prosperity. After a decade or two of trying, Japan doesn't really care anymore that it doesn't speak English.

The best analogy for languages is not that of droplets of water that absorb each other but rather cities. Once a city reaches a certain size it becomes possible to do just about anything you could want to careerwise without ever leaving it, and only at the very top do you see a bleeding from one to the other. Languages are like that when they have a certain population and influence of their own.

[RufusW]

Language doesn't funadmentally change a culture. Apart from the fact some languages can't express ideas 'correctly', there's no reason English society can't be transposed into Chinese and not lose its culture. Yes, language is important, but it isn't fundamental to culture. (Confusionism could exist in the English language as well as it can in Korean)

[mithridates]

[RufusW]

There may be deadlock, but imagine 100 years in the future. Someone from Africa will truly want to communicate with someone from China about the latest Anime from Japan. What language will they use to communicate? They might rely on translation, but the bigger possibility is that they will have already learnt a universal language, English (as with the Swedes who speak perfect English now).

Unfortunately with Gloablization languages do fade out.

I'll just add: the internet should become more and more important and requires a universal text language. Probably voice/text computer translations will become perfect within 10 years; but if not, English will be pushed to the top in this regard as well.

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[mithridates]

[RufusW]

You're underestimating capitalism and globalisation. With technology we become closer and closer. The prime instrument is the internet - where a huge majority of our business will be done in the future. Globalisation creates a need to understand - but more importantly experience - other cultures. It's impossible to do this without a universal language. It's a prerequisite of development.

In the 'future' that I mentioned, a large proportion of the world's population would be well educated (at least to current European standards). Consequently, you could presume they'd be able (yes, like the Swedes) to learn another language at 8 years+.

Every single person that speak Welsh also knows English... probably :) Keep your own language by all means - but you can't avoid the necessity of learning a universal language... be it Chinese, computer programming, or English.

[mithridates]

[RufusW]

That doesn't undermine my point that the internet requires a universal language. Maybe it will be Chinese - it should represent the largest language population on earth (that may be Chinese) - but I'd expect English is easier and currently top as you say and therefore more likely to be adopted.

[mithridates]

[RufusW]

You didn't read my (edited) posts. I said technological translation may well overcome problems with universal communication. Individual voice translators may mean I can speak Chinese by simply talking into a microphone. Translation should become perfect in 100 years, so yes, this may save minority languages.

However, disregarding technology... worldwide communication requires a dominant universal language.

Welsh may not be going anywhere.... but as I said, they all know English. In an educated society it's totally possible to be bilingual (yes, the Swedes again).

Capitalism (and de facto gloablisation) is about increasing returns to scale. Efficiency is hugely important - a global language (disregard the technological aspect) is hugley more effiecient. Ergo, capitalism/gloablisation will tend towards a single language. Easier for business but also cutlural interaction as a side product.

Furthmore, any translation loses some meaning if it's not accurate. In a capitalist (or hyper-globalised) society, efficiency (true meaning) is crucial. There is a reward for both individuals understanding a common language - ergo, people will be inclined to learn a common language. Maybe Chinese, maybe English.

[mithridates]

[RufusW]

What does it matter if they speak Welsh if they all speak English - unfortunately it basically becomes a hobby.

Ya, it's a logical argument, relying on logic to try and predict the future. I'm not prepared to source simple economic facts... but if you really really want me to.....just say.

[bucheon bum]

Rufus,

You've lost me. Your argument has become rather convoluted. What are you claiming? That languages are dying out? And that English will become even more important than it is now?

In the case of the latter, I think Mithridates has illustrated that is simply not the case, and is asking for you to provide any info that backs up your case.