| Which language wins? | |
|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2007 22:31 |   |
 | As China opens up and becomes part of the world economy, will China eventually speak English? Or will the world learn to speak Chinese? This question is posed because eventually a unified world will require a common language. Right? It could easily become argumentative, but that is not the intent. The intent is a query of how you think the future will evolve.... I ask question because in my opinion, China will soon become the dominant economy. Every corporation will need to be able to conduct business with China...and China will easily need to do business with other countries with diverse languages. Clearly, China makes an effort to teach English language that appears to be more focused and dedicated than the language programs in English speaking countries........ China wasn't really on the "global radar" until recently and before you know it (already happening), China will challenge the technological advancements of the former Soviet Union and the United States. Unlike the US vs USSR times, Chinese advancements do not generally carry the implications of the "cold war" times. So how do you think this will pan out over the next 10 to 20 years. ...put on your futurists hat and tell me what you think. |
| Apr 1, 2007 23:45 | #1 |
| 1: Why will the world require a common language? 2: Why should there be a competition between English and Chinese? I see both happening, Chinese learning English and the world learning Chinese. I see this happening right now (of course, I live 500 metres from a university that specialises in teaching Chinese to foreigners). In fact, most of the foreigners I know here speak Chinese, to varying degrees of fluency, of course, but nevertheless, most of them speak Chinese. Yes, there are still plenty of dinosaurs around who still think they live in the days of foreign settlements and extraterritoriality, but I suspect (well, hope) that they're a dying breed. And of course, my job is teaching English.... to oil workers, most of whom will be travelling for work or training. So I see both happening. Well, I also see some truth to the theory that English will become something like what Latin was in Europe during the Roman empire and through the Middle Ages, but I certainly don't see English replacing Chinese. I see Chinese becoming stronger and stronger, perhaps even challening English's dominance. |
| Apr 2, 2007 03:49 | #2 |
| I also think there is no need for only one language in the world. I have remembered I read some news that some English linguists trying to settle a system so that everyone can speak it, but they failed at last. Any nation would think their language the most beautiful and intelligent and would not like to lost them. I think all the languages can find a way to coexist harmoniously with each other. we can trying to learn more than one language, but not less of our owns'. |
| Apr 2, 2007 11:22 | #3 |
| As it stands then China is well on track to becoming the dominant power, at least economically, but Culturally then America/the West has had a headstart. Personally i think that many more people will speak Chinese but English will prevail. they say that if globalisation has its way and we have a universal language then it is likely to be a hybrid of the dominant languages of now - im glad im not likely to be around if that time ever comes lol x |
| Apr 2, 2007 17:36 | #4 |
| I am not sure that I agree with the statement '...culturally then America/The west has a head start'. If KFC, Macdonalds, obesity, mass ownership of guns and shootings in schoolyards, an increasing lack of concern for the poor, and an unwillingness to sign up with the rest of the industrial world on measures to save the world (Kyoto), constitute a cultural headstart, then I would agree but otherwise, no way. (5 out of 6 of the list apply to my country, I am sad to say). |
| Apr 5, 2007 06:16 | #5 |
| You said it all for me Paul! |
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