Languages pg 162-168 (spread of languages + communications technology)

Reasons for the widespread use of European languages and increased take up of Chinese and Arabic.

Why is the use of languages from european countries such as Portugal and Spain so widespread?

Because in the 1600s explorers from these countries colonised lands from all over the world (Africa, Asia and the Americas).
They sent their people to govern and impose their way of living on the people already there. This included removing and replacing the existing culture with their own culture (customs, behavious and languages)

Tell me an exmaple of how colonisers from european countries erased the existing cultures in the undiscovered lands

The Spanish burned Mayan books in Yucatán in Mexico

While many European languages are spoken around the world, other languages are increasingly growing in global use. What 2 languages are great examples of this?

Chinese and Arabic

Tell me the reasons why the Arabic language is growing in demand

• Arab-speaking countries are having an influential role in world politics (+ arab is spoken in countries in the Middle East AND in North Africa). A lot of people speak

  • As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Arabic is essential for international relations, diplomacy, and security.

• A need to understand the developing markets of Arab-speaking countries. Countries like the UAE are trying to expand their economies (e.g AI)

• The growth of Islam to become the second-largest religion in the world

• Links to job opportunities in NGOs, UN and within the country

Some Arab-speaking countries are among the richest countries in the world due to their natural resource reserves (e.g UAE, Saudi Arabia). How might this link to the growing popularity of learning arabic?

This has lead to rapid economic development. For example, the UAE has been investing a lot of money into large building projects to attract more international business and tourists. The projects require a large supply of engineers, architects and construction workers. Speaking arabic would benefit anyone in these professions who would like to find work in the industry, as they will be able to communicate with native speakers

How can speaking arabic link to finding a job at a NGO?

There are developed Arabic-speaking countries but also some underdeveloped ones (Somalia) or others in conflict (Syria).
They might require aid from NGOs. NGOs are often looking for people with language skills so they can communicate with colleages, volunteers or locals in the countries where they operate.

How can speaking arabic link to finding a job at the UN?

Arabic is also one of the six official languages of the UN, so there are job opportunities for translation and providing written material in Arabic.

Tell me the reasons why the Chinese language is also becoming more popular

• More countries are trading with China, leading to a growing demand for it to be taught in language schools around the world

• It is an emerging economy. Proficiency in the chinese language can open doors to job opportunities and business partnerships

• There are also Chinese diaspora found all over the world, meaning that there are also possible local opportunities to communicate using the language

• Like Arabic, Chinese is also an official language of the UN

What are the benefits of being bilingual or multilingual?

• Provides people with access to new opportunities, such as working abroad or for companies that also have offices in different countries.

• Multilingual people have the communication skills to co-operate with a wider community on a range of social, economic, political and environmental issues

How has communications technology impacted the world? Examples?

Has led to a sense of a shrinking world

It has enabled us to interact with people on a global level that has never been seen before.

We are able to communicate much more quickly and easily

• Send emails instead of physically semding documents in the post that could take weeks to arrive.

• Join video conferences (business, family and friends)

• Social media platforms allow us to communicate with people you have never met before — or never would do if it was not for the platform

What is meant by the term ‘shrinking world’? What is a positive thing about a ‘shrinking world’, apart from being able to communicate with people more easily?

• A world where it feels as if the world is getting smaller every day.

• It saves time and reduces the space between us.

• It also helps the environment, as people do not have to travel to different locations

At the start of the internet, english was the dominating language. How has this changed with the years and the benefit?

As the number of global internet users increased, so did the variety of languages used online.

• Language diversity allows people to stay informed and connected if they can read their native language.

• Many webpages allow you to translate the content

How has the internet had an positive impact on language and communication use?

• Increased knowledge and awareness of local, national and global events (e.g climate change)

• Community growth and inclusion, as relationships are supported online as well as in person

• New markets for economic growth as it provides opportunities to meet new business contacts remotely

• The Internet can be used to freely voice opinions, concerns and views

• Language empowerment, as languages have the potential to be preserved on different platforms

How has the Internet had a negative impact on language and communication use?

• Lack of access to the Internet. People might not be able to afford the technology or might live in remote places. They will have to depend on other forms of communication

• Loss of indigenous language due to more prominent Internet languages

• Lack of face-to-face communication. As more people use the Internet, this could lead to a loss of human connection

• Informal language (e.g slang and emojis) that can ‘dilute’ the proper language

• Literacy levels decreasing. Although more people can read, the levels of literacy have decreased.

  • We can process less information; has to be simple less sophisticated

How has society changed as literacy levels has decreased?

Society is moving towards an oral society .

• Before it was reading articles, now we use internet mostly to watch videos

How has social media changed over time? (lo q dijo el mr)

Social media has become less social

• Less keeping up with friends, meeting new people and sharing opinions

• More about following influencers, celebrities, to fill spare time

Case study: communication and cultural change

What is an inevitable consequence of increased global communications?

Cultures will be shared, appreciated but some will be lost

What can help to fight against the loss of some cultures?

Communications technology

How has communications technology promoted and protected cultures?

UNESCO (supported by Google Arts and Culture) launched an interactive online exhibition allowing internet users to explore heritage sites from around the world

In Sri Lanka COVID 19 has restricted cultural practices, ceremonies, pilgrimages. In response, a practitioner has made videos with traditional string puppet drama to promote responsable behaviour and promoting the national culture