https://arab.news/we53c
That the world ought to be multilingual instead of being at peace with the global hegemony of a single language is a complete no-brainer. The advantages of multilingualism over monolingualism are probably far too many to count and way too obvious to labor. Yet, through the years, the world of communication has accepted, for better or worse, the dominance of English as a matter of course.
As celebrations mark International Literacy Day on Sunday, Sept. 8, few can complain about the theme chosen by the UN: Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace. Being multilingual offers numerous advantages that go beyond mere communication. That multilingual speakers still outnumber monolingual speakers in the world’s population is, therefore, no small blessing.
The big question is, can multilingualism hold its own in the face of the challenge posted by relentless globalization, mass migration, increasingly accurate AI-generated translation, and the fragmentation of languages worldwide?
The answer, in the long run, depends on how the challenge is tackled.
The UN is justified in claiming that “adopting a first language-based, multilingual approach to literacy development and education is particularly effective because of its cognitive, pedagogical, and socioeconomic benefits.” The statement is true, as we will soon see, not just because the UN says so.
To start with, as a publication by the Harvard Graduate School of Education puts it, “two languages are better than one for children’s cognitive development.”
In adulthood, learning a second language can take a lot of effort, and success is not guaranteed, particularly if the language is “hard” or “super hard” from the perspective of a native English speaker (although, admittedly, learning a language should not be about perfection). By contrast, language learning seems to happen almost effortlessly in the first few years of life.
Research shows that children who can speak more than one language at an early age have improved overall cognitive abilities, which has a positive impact on other areas of education, and results in higher achievement in the core subjects of mathematics and reading. Enhanced cognitive abilities are believed to result in improved problem-solving skills, better multitasking, and increased creativity. Learning and using multiple languages can also delay the onset of cognitive decline and dementia in older age.
That multilingualism enhances career prospects was never in doubt. Many employers value multilingual employees for their ability to engage with a broader range of clients, partners and markets. Multilingualism can give people a competitive edge in fields such as international business, diplomacy and nonprofits.
Which takes us to broader networking opportunities. Being multilingual not only opens doors to a wider range of social and professional networks, but also can help individuals build relationships and collaborate with those from different linguistic backgrounds, expanding their personal and professional connections.
Knowing multiple languages provides deeper insights into different cultures.
Arnab Neil Sengupta
Then there are the important intangible benefits of access to diverse perspectives. Multilingual individuals can access and understand a variety of viewpoints and information sources that may not be available in a single language. This can lead to more well-rounded knowledge and a deeper understanding of global issues.
Moving on to cultural insight and sensitivity, knowing multiple languages provides deeper insights into different cultures and traditions. This cultural awareness fosters empathy, appreciation, and respect for diverse ways of life, enriching personal experiences and interactions.
And yet, English has all but conquered the world. As an essay in the UK’s Guardian newspaper in 2018 pointed out: “English is everywhere, and everywhere, English dominates. From inauspicious beginnings on the edge of a minor European archipelago, it has grown to vast size and astonishing influence. Almost 400 million people speak it as their first language; a billion more know it as a secondary tongue. It is an official language in at least 59 countries, the unofficial lingua franca of dozens more. No language in history has been used by so many people or spanned a greater portion of the globe.”
While the monolingual Anglosphere’s cultural and economic elites may want their children to be multilingual, young men and women of the “global south” would gladly sacrifice their less-than-perfect multilingual skills for the sake of a good grasp of just one language: English.
Once again, the reasons are far too many to count, and obvious. English is the global language of business and communication. It enables people from different countries and cultures to communicate and collaborate effectively. This is vital in an interconnected world of Zoom conferences and messaging apps.
Many of the world’s top universities and educational institutions today use English as their primary language of instruction. Proficiency in English can, therefore, be essential for accessing higher education and academic programs. (The fact that so many Indian college graduates can speak English makes it easier for them to integrate into the diverse US tech industry, with the result that Indian Americans are among the wealthiest and most educated minorities in the US.)
Despite advances in online translation, English dominates the digital world, including software, online platforms, and programming languages. Understanding English can help people navigate and utilize technology more effectively.
Many international companies and industries, regardless of their geographical location, use English as their primary language of business. A good command of English can thus open doors to a wider range of job opportunities and career advancement, both locally and globally.
A vast amount of information, including academic research, professional publications and online content, is available in English. Being fluent in the language can give people access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
Despite forays by streaming media services such as Netflix into regional language productions, a significant portion of global entertainment, including movies, music, books, and games, is produced in English. Knowing the language allows people to enjoy and understand a broader range of media and cultural products.
Last, but certainly not least, no matter how many millions speak Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi or Swahili, English is commonly spoken in many parts of the world. Knowing the language can make traveling easier, more enjoyable, and allow for deeper cultural exchange and understanding.
All things considered, a good grasp of English can boost communication, career prospects, access to information, travel experiences, education, technological engagement, and entertainment options. But multilingual education is an even better bet: It offers an array of cognitive, cultural, professional and personal benefits that go beyond the ability to communicate in English alone. Moreover, as the UN states, “multilingual education aids in preserving nondominant, minority and indigenous languages.”
By starting education in the learner’s mother tongue and gradually introducing other languages, notably English, the gap between home and school can be bridged and the benefits of multilingualism can be reaped, as several linguistically and ethnically diverse countries have shown.
There is no need for governments to launch linguistic commissions to stem the English tide by creating new words of their own. The challenge to English’s global hegemony must be grounded in pragmatism and rational choice, not nationalism or political correctness.
• Arnab Neil Sengupta is a senior editor at Arab News.
X: @arnabnsg