Counter Argument Essay Example: Does the Spread of English "Kill" Other Languages?

Although it has been concluded that English is the global language for most research works, there are still efforts being made to ensure that the indigenous languages are not completely wiped out of existence.  There are new departments in higher institutions of learning that also specialize in other languages. For instance, the Confucius Institutes are located in most higher learning centers to promote Chinese culture and language.  In this case, students who are admitted in these facilities find interests in these languages.  Such programs are there to enhance the presence of other languages (Mencken, 1996).  Cultural exchanges are very essential in learning institutions because other students get opportunities to appreciate the cultural practices of their friends. Other programs like Chinese traditional medicine are offered in other colleges.  From these examples, it can be deduced that other communities and governments have put efforts to deal with the English issue.

In order ensure that the younger generations do not forget their languages, there are cultural festivals that are organized by different people. These festivals tend to gather people from various backgrounds and remind them of their languages, as well. Certain concepts can only be explained and understood better when expressed in the indigenous language. As people interact during such functions, they tend to grow socially and make friends. Some websites have also been written in other languages to help people learn in their local languages other than English. Students would admit that they understand the subject deeper when expressed in their common language than English.  In countries where English is not the first language, students are taught their vernacular in the elementary schools. Certain software programs have been designed to help in translation of English into other languages (Calloway, 2007).  With these technological advancements, individuals who spend most of their time browsing can install such programs on their Personal computers and use them appropriately.

Moreover, individuals working the hospitality industry must learn different languages because they encounter customers from various parts of the world.  This has become a requirement when looking for jobs in such places.  In order to satisfy their customers’ needs, they prepare different cultural cuisines that such visitors can always enjoy. The cooks must be aware of such languages to enable them get the right ingredients for their dishes.  The travelers from different regions appreciate such organizations that enable them to use their local languages. The menus and even regulations are written in other languages as well.  Story books and other text books are written in other indigenous languages, as well.

Other people do not have to learn English to find out how certain appliances work. This is because; the manuals have been translated into other languages, as well. The customer does not have to read the English manual to use the appliance. Manufacturers of drugs and chemicals also have realized the benefits of using the native languages when giving instructions. Use of local languages on their products has increased their sales because they can penetrate into different parts all over the world (Carlsen and Willis, 2007). The use of native language is not for rural areas only, there are efforts being made to make them part of daily lives in the urban settlements.  Movies have also been translated and recorded in other languages.

References

  1. Calloway, C. G. (2007).New worlds for all: Indians, Europeans, and the remaking of early America. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
  2. Carlsen, R., & Willis, D. A. (2007). Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference annual March 26-30, San Antonio, Texas, USA. Chesapeake: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  3. Mencken, H. L. (1996). The American language: an inquiry into the development of English in the United States (4th ed.). New York: A.A. Knopf.