Did you notice that foreigners who speak to foreigners speak English?
2006-12-09 21:37:06 · 16 answers · asked by Nicolas 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
My native language is English, and yes, I've noticed foreigners speaking English to each other. However, how much communication is actually taking place? I work in the computer industry and I see it every day. I've seen foreigners who speak different native languages trying to speak English to each other, and much of their time is spent repeating themselves. English is a difficult language to master because of the many rules, even more rule exceptions and a large dose of inconsistencies, now throw two or more foreign accents into the mix and the problem gets worse. Given this scenario, can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone decided to use English as the language of international diplomacy? Chaos.
There have been discussions on many occasions in multilingual political bodies (the U.N., the E.U., UNESCO, etc) of adopting a single official language to lower the translation costs. Choosing any national language to fit this niche gives additional power to the country who's national language is chosen, so everyone wants their language to be chosen, and the vote ends up in a stalemate.
The only chance of getting a single language chosen as a "universal" language in one of these organizations is to choose a language which is totally neutral and requires everyone to learn it. Therefore putting everyone on an even footing. Since all of the national languages are out, we are left with constructed languages.
A man in Poland created a language for exactly this purpose. His first book was published about the language in 1887, and despite the fact that it is not required learning in any country, it was outlawed by the Nazis in Germany, and the Communists in Russia and China, there are about 2 million speakers world wide. It's called Esperanto. The international language of peace and friendship.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanto
2006-12-10 02:07:54 · answer #1 · answered by rbwtexan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aren't most bi-lingual nations so by necessity not by choice. They simply could not function otherwise. So jealousy isn't even a second thought regarding this topic. Most things worth watching/reading/listening to are translated into english, so it's not like we're missing out on anything. Also, you sound like you pity us for not being fluent in many languages. The truth is, many people in the US and UK have the freedom to learn any spoken language in the world and have resources to do so, that cannot be said of all nations. just because most do not choose to learn many languages doesn't mean they do not have the ability to do so. In one day without even trying I can encounter half a dozen different nationalities within 5 miles of my home and communicate with and understand them all without having to learn their native language. And most large American cities are like this, so I can't see how you see yourself as having an advantage. on my own I have studied Russian, French, Arabic, Tamil, Thai, as well as learning to write Japanese Kanji, I don't place myself above or below anyone for this, it's merely a choice of how I spend my free time, and not everyone in this world has the freedom to choose what they learn. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
2016-05-23 01:43:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Sign language is language specific - so not universal.
2. Math is universal, however not spoken by most humans good enough.
3. Chinese Mandarin style is a good contestor, but it is a very hard language, so I have my doubts. Lots of people will speak it though.
4. French was a good contestor also, especially in diplomacy a couple of years before.
5. I'd vote for Spanish. It is easy, and widely accepted, and nice also.
How about Arabic?
2006-12-09 23:27:23 · answer #3 · answered by crys 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chinese could very well be the next universal language, with China rising as a superpower and all. Students in England and America are even taking the Chinese language as a subject!
However, English will still remain as the 1st language, I guess, because Chinese is a difficult language to master.
2006-12-09 21:48:43 · answer #4 · answered by eternalchase 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, English is pretty much the "universal language" because America is a super-power with a lot of influence out there. If... say, Germany was in America's place, I think we would definitely all have been taught German in school to make things easier.
As to what else could be a universal language, we technically already have one, though it's not exactly spoken. 10011100101. Binary code. Hell, its more than just world-wise use with that one, we've sent it to outer space as well, more than once I believe. heh
2006-12-09 21:43:38 · answer #5 · answered by Suraya 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd say sign language... but if we're using the oldest language... then it would be Sanskrit, because that predates any language out there. LOL But seriously, I'd say sign language, because like, people in the U.S. can (and do!) go to say, Japan, and teach them an entire show of dancing and singing using sign language. it's pretty much universal already LOL
2006-12-09 21:50:54 · answer #6 · answered by High On Life 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The language that varied words could be created in comparison with other language . Ilocano.
2006-12-09 21:40:07 · answer #7 · answered by wilma m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep...
I think secondary to Engish is Latin.
Its the oldest language
2006-12-09 21:40:31 · answer #8 · answered by murkycandy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
math is also a universal language tho not in a communicable sense
2006-12-09 21:44:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say Chinese language. It would be better if you have set this post as a voting poll. : )
2006-12-09 21:49:25 · answer #10 · answered by raymondalcatraz 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋