"Western White Folk"

Like most Americans I only speak one language and that is English. While I was in high school I learned Spanish and became close to fluent however, five years later, I barely remember how to ask for directions. Part of this is because I have no where and no one to practice my Spanish with and I would like to say that if I had someplace to practice my Spanish, I would be more inclined to do so, but unfortunately I do not, nor do I have the time. So like most “Western White Folk” I only speak one language and usually I expect others to use English to communicate with me. Unfortunate as this is, or may appear to be, I’m ok with it. I think learning another language would be beneficial, but let’s face it, the rest of the world is encouraged to speak our language anyway.

        According to According to Rob Burton’s book, Artists of the Floating World, “one world language is lost every two weeks” and, “at this rate, 2,500 native tongues will disappear in the next 100 years” (127). These statistics lead to the main concern which is that there will soon be a homogenized cultural expression around the globe. Small tribal communities will not only loose their language, but their sense of individuality and in a sense their culture. But what most people wonder is why does this matter? Would an English dominant world be a good thing or a bad thing?

         I have not yet had the opportunity to travel abroad (unless you count Tijuana, Mexico) but I still understand and can appreciate the importance of different languages. It is hard to imagine traveling abroad and not having to worry about a language barrier. In my few trips to Mexico that was part of the excitement, attempting to communicate by using another language. Despite the fact that one language, most likely English, would make traveling easier, it takes away the fun and experience of another culture. Language is a big part of culture and without the thousands of languages that exist today we would all loose our sense of individuality and uniqueness. Despite that fact that English is quickly becoming the dominant language few can say that they are native English speakers.

        So while I can appreciate that fact that there are many other languages out in the world I also believe, as Burton said, that “English is an evolving and dynamic language. It has demonstrated a versatile capacity to adapt to new cultural contexts by adopting, where necessary, hybrid forms of expression” (127).  So whether or not an English dominant world is a good or bad thing I am not going to say. I will however say that it is quickly happening and as Burton said, “The fate seems inevitable” (127). Our world must prepare to be dominated by English whether they/we are ready or not. If you live in or come to America I, like others, expect you to speak English, and when I visit another country I will do my best to communicate speaking the native language. Until I am able to travel abroad I will most likely continue to speak English and expect others that I come in contact with to do the same.