It surprised me that there has been a loss of 30% of the world's languages in the last 200 years. Many peoples have lost their own language of communication. However, as we discussed in class, it is possible for people to retain their identity even if they change their language, but it is not likely when a minority people takes on the language of a majority. It is more likely that many aspects of the majority will be absorbed and much of the culture of the minority will be lost.
English has been on the rise for some decades, but it is not that long since English was not described as an international language. Thirty years ago, English was learned in order to speak with native speakers of English. Right now English is learned in order to speak with other non-native speakers of English.
Perhaps, English will be on the rise for another ten or twenty years, or perhaps another language will take its place.
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I think the loss of languages is another consequence of globalization. But we can’t just close ourselves to globalization. It’s here and it’ll grow. And what role do we play in it? I think that a new challenge has arisen for us, who teach the global language: how do we teach the language and open srudents' scope to other cultures and, at the same time, show appreciation and respect for our own culture and language? An issue that needs to reflected in our teaching practices.
Norbella
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