indefinitely more global power

subject: languages
style: ruminative
source: Albert

"A wise man only knows as much as he thinks he does."

I remember, in Biology (about two years ago) --at least I think it was Biology; maybe it was Health ?-- we watched a video in which a couple of linguist-pathologist-researchers were discussing the evolution of language. 'Tis a pity, they said, the way languages are disappearing so quickly from the world. A few widespread languages are taking over their own sections of the population --a few-- while the rest just fade out of common usage and wither away. Frankly, what I have to say to this is : how is that such a bad thing ?

I mean, think of it : with a million languages controlling the world, how would you describe our communicative capabilities ? Stunted, at best. But with only a dozen .. we could have indefinitely more global power. Translation would be virtually unnecessary, and communication would be more efficient than ever before. What are they worried about ?

Loss of culture ? You shouldn't need a special language to distinguish yourself from other cultures .. and if interracial marriages continue, as they should, people will have so many heritages it will be hard to keep track of them all anyhow. (Why should they ? To prevent segregation. Because I am sick and tired of stereotypes and exclusions in society. What if we're all the same race, hm ? What then ?)

Loss of history ? Hello, ever heard of an encyclopedia ? I'm sure they keep those things pretty up-to-date. If someone ever wants to learn an ancient Native American dialect, all they need do is go through a little research. Loss of experts ? Maybe .. but if they record all they know accurately, no one will ever need to consult an expert on the subject.

The Tower of Babel ? A ludicrous idea, in the first place. Even if I had read the bible, and did believe it .. I don't think I would see anything wrong with a universal language. God is not going to shun us for trying to advance ourselves through technology, or the like. I'm sure he would be proud of our efforts. And it will only bring people closer around the globe.

Anyhow, there isn't much we can do about these fading languages. It's a natural part of social (and economical) growth .. we're not about to make everyone learn six or seven extra languages (nor would anyone allow such a travesty), so all we've left to do is embrace it and move on. Take a chill pill, folks.