La futuro de esperanto
Just found Abel Mongtagu's work.
The Contribution of the International Language Esperanto towards Linguistic Diversity
Though like to reproduce it in full, it seems quite unlikely.
This few parts would be good for some thoughts of provocations.
The Contribution of the International Language Esperanto towards Linguistic Diversity
Though like to reproduce it in full, it seems quite unlikely.
This few parts would be good for some thoughts of provocations.
When a neutral, international language is generally learnt, Englishlanguage speakers too will need to learn it. This would place everyone in a more equitable relationship, and would facilitate a reciprocal and multidirectional cultural exchange. Monolingualism -- which closes the mind to diversity -- would diminish.
The costs of the current inequalities attributable to the hegemony of English have been spelt out, in the sphere of teaching, by François Grin, professor of economics at the University of Geneva. For example, every year, USA saves 16 billion dollars, because its expenditure on the teaching of other languages is only symbolic. This figure represents between 1/3 and 1/2 of its budget for research and education, the basis for scientific, technological and military development, to which other countries learning or practising English contribute indirectly.This is quite apart from the enormous income from the direct sale of cultural wares, the languagelearning courses that foreigners take, etc. The one-sided disequilibrium is colossal, with its concomitant damage to diversity.For the full text en pdf
A redistribution of the expenditure meant for the teaching and practice of various languages would lead to a more proportionate and comparable enrichment, in tune with local initiatives, without setting up insuperable inequalities from the very start. For example, in the European Union, one could promote exchanges for the learning of a neutral interlanguage in every EU country, together with a programmatic learning of the basics of the respective languages. This would diversify the choice available, and increase sales, throughout the region, of textbooks, summer internships, periodicals with a wide circulation, etc. And this would awaken an interest later in travel, university education, research or work in different countries, with the certainty that one would enjoy the necessary mutual comprehension. In this kind of situation, diversity and a more equal relationship would both get a boost forward.
The article makes some very useful points in regards to convinving the economically minded that a neutral langage can be beneficial.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica. Bonan tagon.
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