Communication and Globalization PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION Globalization it is the word used to describe the growing interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross- border trade in goods and services, technology, and information. World Englishes David Crystal (2003) begins the first chapter of the book English as a Global Language with the assertion that English is, in fact, the global language. Readings in World Englishes The following are excerpted from "Speak English: The Story of a Once-obscure Language and How it Became the Last Word in Global Communication" in the Chicago Tribune from The Story of English. These are the 1st and final paragraphs. First Paragraph The rise of English is a remarkable success story. When Julius Caesar landed in Britain nearly 2,000 years ago, English did not exist. Five hundred years later, English, incomprehensible to modern ears, was probably spoken by about as few people as currently speak Cherokee - and with about as little influence. Final Paragraph The emergence of English as a global phenomenon - as either a first, second or foreign language - has recently inspired the idea that we should talk not of English but of many Englishes, especially in Third World countries where use of English is no longer part of the colonial legacy but the result of decisions made since their independence. It has now a more widely accepted fact that there are many World Englishes, sometimes referred to as "varieties of English" used in the world. All are equal in the sense that each is best suited to the communication needs of its speakers. However, not all are equal in prestige. Examples African Americans in different regions of the USA has certain features such as 'g-dropping' in words like readin', walkin', and singin' are stigmatized. African Americans are treated as 'abnormal' by those dominant groups who are in charge of defining 'normal'. The two most well-known varieties of English are those of the colonial superpowers: British and American English. World Englishes are all equal in functionality, but not all are equal in prestige. Thus, two English speakers - one from the US and the other from the UK - may become confused when encountering the other's unfamiliar accent and word choices in a conversation and when seeing different spelling and punctuation conventions in writing. Philippine English, as well, has its unique and idiosyncratic usages. Example, "comfort room" is a Philippine term for "washroom", "toilet", or "lavatory". When Filipinos say, "There's traffic", they mean "There's heavy traffic". Standard Philippine English is defined as consisting of "the conventional vocabulary and usage of educated speakers and writers of English. To use this kind of English means to follow a spelling or punctuation system that is consistent with the prescribed standard. Summary One is free to use his or her own variety of English. However, in more formal writing contexts, one should be able to identify which features of this variety may not be understood by other speakers of English and to use alternatives that will be understood by a wider audience. Culturally Sensitive and Bias-Free Language To write in a culturally sensitive way means to be aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist and these should not be assigned a positive or negative value via words and descriptions selected in writing, Race and Ethnicity RACISM is a form of discrimination against a person or persons of a different race. In general it is best to avoid identifying people by race or ethnic group. Words that reinforce stereotypes and that imply all people of a particular race or ethnic group are the same should be avoided. Race and Ethnicity EXAMPLE: Naturally, the Asian students won the math contest
The word "naturally" reinforces the
stereotype or generalization that Asians have superior aptitude in math. Race and Ethnicity It is also important to be sensitive to religion when referring to various ethnic groups. Assumptions should not be made that stereotype a race, nationality, or ethnic group with a specific religion. Ex. not all Arabs are Muslims, not all Indians are Buddhists, and not all Filipinos are Roman Catholics. Gender and Sexual Orientation SEXISM refers to the prejudice and discrimination based on sex or gender. To be inclusive of all people in general references, one should favor gender-neutral words and phrases over gender-biased words. Gender and Sexual Orientation Neutral words should also be chose over words with "man" or "woman" in job titles or descriptions. EX. use "chairperson" instead of "chairman", and "labor" instead of "manpower". Gender and Sexual Orientation Pronouns may also be gender-biased for example, when the masculine "he" is used as a generic one for both genders. It is important to be sensitive to new attitudes about homosexual, transsexualm and transgender people. Gender and Sexual Orientation Gay people prefer the term 'gay' compare to the more clinical "homosexual" as a label. "Lesbian" is currently the term preferred by gay women. Transgender people prefer to referred to as being the gender they identify as, not their birth gender. Social Class CLASS DISCRIMINATION or CLASSISM is a form of prejudice against a person or people because of their social class. An example in Philippines are the informal terms "conyo" and "jologs", both derogatory terms referring to class. Social Class A more sensitive vocabulary uses terms that more precisely portray the actual circumstances of people within the class structure. Example, instead of "owning class" you can use "the upper class" or "privileged class", instead of "the underclass" you can use "the less privileged class". Age AGEISM is a form of discrimination against other people because of their age, or assuming that older people are less physically, intellectually, or emotionally able than other age groups. The capabilities of younger people should also not be underestimated on the basis of their age. Age It is important to refer to a person's age only when that information is pertinent to what is being discussed. When referring to a generic group, one should ask their subjects what wording they prefer? Disabilities DISCRIMINATION in this area often arises because of lack of understanding and awareness. It is important to distinguish some terms that are mistakenly understood to be synonymous. Disabilities the terms "impairment", "disability", and "handicap" are respectively 1. a physiological condition 2. consequence of an impairment 3. social implication of a disability; a condition or barrier imposed by society Disabilities Writers should avoid hurtful expressions such as "retards" or even the seemingly neutral description "the mentally retarded" and to use instead "people with mental retardation". Instead of "blind" or "cancer patients", one should use "people with visual impairment" and "people being treated for cancer" Summary These general guiding principles are helpful, but always apt. Example, there are heated debates now among parents of children with autism about whether to use "person with autism" or "autistic person". Yet again, it is important that we research to become aware of trends and debates in this areas. Summary
Lastly, to be an effective writer one must not
stereotype, demean, or exclude any member of his or her audience. Such stereotypes and biases are barriers to communication. Activity Give the equivalent American English words of the following British English words. 1. bank note - 2. sweet - 3. handbag - 4. lift - 5. chips - 6. rubber - 7. main road - 8. vest - 9. flyover - 10. caretaker - Thank You! Do you have any questions for me before we go?
