Like if there was only one language, lets say English.
2007-06-15 21:56:37 · 15 answers · asked by skdjmv 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
travel made easy....
2007-06-15 22:27:01 · answer #1 · answered by ni2penang 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, let me be very clear about this.
The idea of a common planetary language, especially if it is arbitrarily chosen or worse, would be next to useless. This is assuming of course that you mean a sole language; no others allowed.
If however, you refer to an AUXILIARY language, intended to bridge the gap between cultures by providing an easily learnt method of communication then yes. It would open the world up to far more in the way of understanding.
Let's exam the first example where each linguistic group would resent the fact that any other language was forced on them, and NOBODY would agree on ANY language since they would all want their own.
Esperanto is making headway in becoming an AUXILIARY language, yet people reject it out of hand because they all fear the loss of their tongue and a single language spoken by all, which of course is exactly what Esperanto is trying NOT to do.
As a common SECOND language you and you and you have no need to sink years into study of a language that you will most likely NEVER fully assimilate like a native. The choice would be yours. With Esperanto you can be comfortable talking to your neighbour in your native tongue and just as comfortable talking to Ming Lu across the waves on an equal footing in this easily learnt language. It's like a neutral handshake, because each participant invested an equal amount of effort to learn this easy language. (16 gramatical rules... NO exceptions!)
Believe it or not, Esperanto represents the best chance for the survival of the multitude of dying languages since it's purpose is to forestall the monopoly of any one National tongue to the disadvantage of another.
So will it some day become universal (which by the way doesn't mean that EVERYBODY in the world speaks it, just those that want it / need it)?
Well, the $600 million+ USD spent yearly on translation services at the UN (six official languages) and a similar amount in the EU says, sooner or later something is going to change, and this is the cheapest and most effective, proven alternative. If you really want an eye opener, try researching the actual success that they have, or don't have, at the UN. Claude Piron, an ex-translator at the UN has some marveleous stories about his time there. The EU is becoming a nightmare of translating issues.
NOBODY has to give up their mother tongue, nor should they.
So, long answer shortened, NO. I wouldn't accept a single language for the world. Esperanto as an auxiliary language however would be wonderful.
I encourage everybody to research and draw their own conclusions. Don't take my word for it; research it.
Äis!
2007-06-16 05:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jagg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually don't like the idea at all. I love learning languages, and they are so much fun to me! When you explore a new language it is like exploring an entire new continent. You cannot even imagine how people express themselves creatively in different languages. It is like a frontier to be won!
With only one language, it would be really boring. Have you never heard about some summer beach romance that was so cute JUST because the main protagonists couldn't really understand each other! LOL but cute!
By the way, English is not my mother tongue!
2007-06-16 07:01:00 · answer #3 · answered by hellothere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unrealistic, and boring. Much of a people's culture comes through the language. Would you like to get rid of most of other people's culture?
2007-06-16 16:07:51 · answer #4 · answered by Fred 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's a very nice idea, but the other languages will not be cancelled for sure
2007-06-16 06:54:40 · answer #5 · answered by Uncle Under 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be cool, but too bad if you are into different languages it would limit you a lot, and another thing English is a very confusing and hard langauge learn for foreigners.
2007-06-16 05:05:35 · answer #6 · answered by Red Panda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
languages is wat make ppl, some languages more beautiful than others. english IS a good language but there are some in which spoke even more beautiful. so, if everyone spoke english it'd get boring real quick.
2007-06-16 05:04:28 · answer #7 · answered by Amour 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be great, regardless of the language. I've got one better. Imagine how much more peaceful would be if there were only one religion (any one, let God pick it).
2007-06-16 05:03:34 · answer #8 · answered by liberty11235 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it would be pretty cool i guess I think every one should learn english even you dont live the usa cause its an universal language
2007-06-16 05:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Esperanto looks like fun
2007-06-16 05:20:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There would be a lot less people talking crap about people behind their backs ... right in front of them.
2007-06-16 05:05:15 · answer #11 · answered by Chris C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋