A few major languages are increasingly spoken in different countries, while the usage of others is rapidly declining. Is this a positive or a negative development

Advances in technology, transport, and communication have given rise to the phenomenon of globalization. A lot of barriers have been pulled down; the exchange of ideas between countries and cultures has never been freer in any time in history.

This

has in turn led to an expanding use of a few major languages

such

as Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and especially English. There are obvious benefits to

this

, but the possible cultural ramifications must not be ignored. Obviously, the use of one major terminology as a lingua Franca or bridge jargon is desirable because it enhances cross-cultural communication. It embodies a clear, accessible standard for everybody to follow be it in books, movies, academic or popular publications, or the Internet.

Additionally

, if a country is to become globally competitive either in business or the labour market,

then

it is imperative for it to understand and utilize the dominant international

language

. In my part of the world, you will not make progress in a career or business without English because corporate communications and commerce is mostly conducted in

this

language

. A business might succeed locally without it, but growth in the bigger national or international market will be curtailed.

Then

again, the dwindling usage or even extinction of many minor languages is an unfortunate result of

this

phenomenon.

This

happens when less and less people speak their mother tongue because of a shifting of allegiance to the

second

language

.

This

is unfortunate because

language

death

also

means a loss of cultural identity. Original meanings and nuances are lost in translation. Culture forms dialects, and

language

revolve around culture, the demise of one means the same for the other. Maybe the best course of action is a form of compromise. Governments must take steps to preserve their languages and dialects by supporting appropriate legislation and by funding the efforts of learning institutions. Individuals should continue using their mother tongue and take pride in their distinct cultural heritage.