If the world were to speak one universal language it is my opinion that there would still be conflict. There are roughly 6500 different languages spoken worldwide, with hundreds of different dialects. If we were to replace all of these with just one in an attempt to create a more peaceful world, it is my belief that we would still find conflict. Peace is a tangible, controlled not solely through communication but by coexistence. Of the many nations’ that make up the world, each one has their own individual society, along with unique ideals and beliefs. Even with one collective universal language the beliefs of one nation will still deviate from the customs and beliefs of another nation. Speaking the same language can only get us so far. Even in the United States people can say the same words and yet mean two different things, based upon their perceptions, background and beliefs. Regardless of which language is used, people will still have contrasting values and ideas, and will still argue to try and prove their side.
Even with Diplomacy there is no exception. The Chinese may go about resolving an issue in a different fashion than the Americans would if they were faced with the same problem. Depending on the society and culture of the diplomats the plan of action can be incredibly different. Would the Chinese government believe that the moral solution to an issue is one that benefits the government rather than the individual? In comparison if the American government were faced with the same issue would it choose to benefit the citizens of the state rather than the government itself?
On a positive note, having a single language worldwide would make it easier for constructive arguments, with the use of translators in places such as the UN not necessary. Discussions and negotiations might have fewer misunderstandings, without language as a barrier. Using a common language won’t remove conflict entirely, but it would improve our ability to communicate with each other at a basic level.
I partially agree with Nicole in saying that one universal language would not create a more peaceful world because there are other issues surrounding countries apart from the language barrier. First of all, if the entire world took on one language, then everyone, despite the dialect they spoke before, would have to learn that new language. For example, if English became the language that everyone was expected to learn, then it would obviously be easy for english speaking countries to adapt, but not for the rest of the world. If the remaining countries were expected to speak english, there would be plenty of disagreements and conflicts over why that particular language was chosen. Second of all, the language barrier is only a tiny problem the world faces compared to AIDS/HIV, climate change, nuclear arms race, poverty, etc. which are more prominent and should be dealt with first and foremost. So speaking one language globally would not make the world more peaceful but instead create more conflicts, and there are more important issues that would not be solved by a universal language.
ReplyDeleteIn response to what Ben said, I agree that if English or any other language for that matter was chosen as the single language for the World that everyone must learn than yes there would be many issues and disagreements in response. But if we look at it from a long-term standpoint, within a few generations children would have been brought up speaking this language. The children of immigrants who have come to America from other state’s speaking their native language have grown up speaking the English, many not even able to speak the language of their parents.
ReplyDeleteI am also in agreement with Ben and Nicolle on the issue of learning the universal language, but I would like to point out that even with the basis of a universal language in isolated regions the language would be the same as in more heavily populated regions but over time the language would begin to transform. For example, say in order to establish English as the universal language we go into every isolated village around the world and teach the people english. Unless we go back and maintain contact with the isolated village the language will begin to change, and that is assuming they continue to use english rather that reverting to their native language. It might change a word at a time, or more quickly, but because the village and its people are isolated we cannot guarantee that the language will remain universal.
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