shenuuuuh

[shenuuuuh]

No mid-sized city hopes and small-town fears

[shenuuuuh]

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our culture and society. Language is a powerful tool in shaping our culture as it carries the beliefs, traditions, and knowledge of a certain group. The way we speak and the words we use shapes our cultural identity. Language serves as a medium of communication in which we express ourselves and connect with others that fosters social interaction and forms relationships that are necessary in a society. The English language is becoming widespread and has become the dominant language most of us speak and the language of communication used globally. In this era of globalization, the influence of English language has reached higher ground to the point where it has become the global lingua franca or the de facto language of trade, business, technology, and academia. The influence of English language reached to the extent where kids are more fluent in English rather than their first language. We really cannot deny the change and influence the globalization of the English language has brought. However, in this rapid globalization and widespread of English language certain salient issues rose that most of us needs to be enlightened.

One of the issues the world is facing is language discrimination. The English language is spoken by millions of people and is still increasing every day in today’s generation. A lot of people consider the English language as the superior one, thus, it is not shocking that the minority of people who don’t or can’t speak are being discriminated. In today’s world where the English language is the primary mode of communication, those who can speak English proficiently are often seen as more intelligent, educated, and competent while those who can’t speak are subjected to discrimination and bias. This discrimination manifest in subtle ways like dismissing someone’s ideas in workplace or class just because they are not that proficient in speaking English, laughing at someone, and mocking their pronunciations when they are speaking, and denying employment or education because of language proficiency. We all should be aware that language discrimination causes detrimental effects on someone as people who are not proficient in speaking English may feel exclusion, shame, may face barriers and disadvantages. We all need to recognize and understand that we all live in a world where diversity is present and value the richness of different languages and cultures.

The reason why we face problem like language discrimination is that we fail to see the beauty of diversity which leads us to the next issue, the lack of recognition to language or linguistic diversity. This issue is prevalent in the Philippines as we consider the English language as a language for intelligent people, we are all so focused on learning English language that we fail to see the beauty of the different languages we have. We all need to recognize that there are diverse and unique languages out there and see the beauty with it. We all need to promote and raise awareness about linguistic diversity. Together, let us preserve the beautiful, diverse, and unique languages and cultures each of us have.

In today’s era the ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is crucial. This statement leads us to our next issue which is the lack of language education. In today’s interconnected world, I think that the education system is lacking in providing the students with resources and opportunities that are necessary to know and develop proficiency in other languages, especially the English language. I think that they need to provide more resources and opportunities for non-native speakers and underprivileged people to access education. I think that they need to improve the access and the quality of language education that can cater everyone, especially the marginalized individuals and every person regardless of their backgrounds and status.

The language is the door in knowing the culture, we can’t separate the language from culture as we share culture through language, when we learn the language, we cannot help but learn and adopt the culture as well. With the rapid globalization of English language, a lot of other languages and culture became endangered. One of the most salient issues we are facing is the loss of language and culture. The dominance of English language many indigenous languages has become endangered and extinct which caused the loss of cultural knowledge. Language is not just a mean of communication it is also a reflection of our culture, traditions, and beliefs.

In connection to that, we must promote cultural preservation. We must learn how to preserve our unique culture. I remember reading an article that said “once a person lost their language, they also lost their cultural identity. Learning the English language nowadays is a must, however, in doing so we must not forget our own language and culture that comes with it. We all should protect and preserve our language and culture in the face of globalization. We must recognize and understand the importance of the contribution of the diversity in language and culture in shaping our collective identity and understanding of the people around us, ourselves, and our world. All of us must value and celebrate our own unique, beautiful, and diverse language and culture so we can create a balanced and harmonious world.

This blog aims to promote the salient issues we are facing in English language, culture, and society. The language, culture, and society are essential in building a harmonious community. I truly believe that all of us should come together and embrace language diversity and celebrate cultural differences in the face of globalization. I hope that all of us can help mitigate the salient issues presented in this blog which are the language discrimination, lack of recognition to language diversity, lack of language education, loss of language and culture, and promoting cultural preservation. Together, let us create a community and a world where all of us are valued, included, and respected. Together, let us promote understanding, unity, and awareness to the salient issues of English language, culture, and society to create a inclusive future for all.