The Impact of Globalization on Identity - Essay Example

?During the current period, it can be observed that the effects of globalization have significantly changed the financial and commercial sectors in different countries. However, it can also be noted that they also threaten the survival of different cultures and languages that help give nations a distinctive identity in the world. Culture is now treated as a single entity especially by the powerful nations and English language is slowly replacing other languages and it is expected that languages can be cut by half by 2100 (Haviland et al, 2009). I think this subject of cultural globalisation is very important in the subject of anthropology since it affects the culture as well as language of people in other countries in different ways. People belonging to a certain culture share the same language and other beliefs and their behaviour is shaped by culture. As such, I think it is important for people in different countries to know the impacts of globalisation on their culture. This subject is very important because it defines the identity of people and it distinguishes them from other groups. Therefore, there is need to preserve indigenous languages and culture for different communities in order to successfully fight the impacts of globalisation. The development of new information and communication such as the internet has contributed to the growth and development of aspects such as the economy. However, the same technology has also contributed to the erosion of other languages given that English is communicated to other marginalized communities and it is now being treated as the first language. This has caused problems to other languages given that they are slowly being eroded by other powerful languages. Language is passed from generation to generation through the word of mouth and this communication strategy needs to be preserved if we are to preserve our indigenous languages which are being threatened by English in many societies. The erosion of English also entails the erosion of human knowledge as a result of marginalization of other smaller communities. This makes it difficult for such societies to preserve their knowledge which shapes their behaviour (Ostler, 2006). Language is therefore an important element in the fight against the effects of globalisation in different communities. In Haviland, there are two sections that address this issue of globalization as a result of expanding technology. In “Language and Communication” and “Global Changes and the Role of Anthropology,” language is seen as a precious resource that can be easily exploited by the dominant and powerful countries such as the English speaking nations as they are bent on imposing their language as special over other languages (Haviland et al, 2009, p.162). As a result, the rise of globalisation has caused different reactions from other countries which have realised its threats especially to the survival of their own languages. In many countries, the people have realised the importance of their own language which is facing erosion by English which is now communicated to different countries. For instance, in France, there is a growing concern for preserving the French language and this has led the government to launch a campaign to promote the language such as le hamburger and e-mail (Haviland et al, 2009, p. 170). In the United States, the “English only” campaign amounts to preservation of their interests where many citizens “seek to shape or transform not only their towns but also…the entire country by electing politicians committed to forging a national culture based on what they see as American patriotism, English-only legislation, and traditional Christian values” (Haviland et al, 2009, p. 334).In other countries, language may be seen as the most important way to maintain a sense of national identity. In either event, Haviland’s examination of language in terms of socio-linguistics, which studies the relationship between language and society as well as ethno-linguistics, which studies the link between language and culture, it can be noted that there is a link between language in different countries and their culture and these need to be preserved (Haviland et al, 2009, p. 170-71). The impact of colonialism has been more severe on New Zealand by the British especially the undermining of the country’s native Maori population during the 19th century. Their language was severely impacted on given that only four percent of New Zealand’s 4 million people are able to speak Maori, and only 23 percent of the Maori themselves can speak their own native language (Ka’ai &Moorfield, 2011). However,in an interesting historical twist, New Zealanders have utilized the World Wide Web to preserve and reinforce their ancient language. In 2011, Tania Ka’ai and John Moorfield published a paper about a technologically based initiative designed to teach Maori using a full array of computer-based and communications devices. New information technology can have a positive impact in teaching of indigenous language. For instance, Smart phones, Skype, iPods, iPad Touches, Smart Boards, and video conferencing technology are utilized to facilitate the learning of Maori Language through offering online textbooks and study guides; an online digital platform for Maori language classes; a prototypical digital language learning system; and streaming video of fluent speakers (Ka’ai &Moorfield, 2011). It must be noted that not all those with an interest in learning Maori (whether a tribesman or not) are computer literate. However, the existence and persistence of so many technological avenues for learning will certainly, over time, encourage more and more people to convenient methods for studying not only Maori but also other endangered languages. Interestingly, the same technologies that have been used to undermine other languages across the world have become channels through which endangered languages may be preserved. In 2003,Canadian author and journalist Mark Abley published a book entitled Spoken Here: Travels Among Threatened Languages, in which he outlined the status of endangered languages in various parts of the globe and the relative success of attempts to preserve them. Abley visited Wales (Welsh), North America (Mohawk), France (Provencal) and the South Pacific (Boro) among others, studying indigenous languages that were threatened by English. In each case, he writes about projects, many of which have the weight of government sanction, aimed at encouraging natives to resume speaking their indigenous tongues in the interest of cultural and linguistic preservation. Abley’s perspective is mainly negative since he suggests that it is a matter of choice by the people to select their desired language. However, the influence of international commerce and mass culture in removing traditional geographical borders cannot be ignored. Many observers believe that when young people in places like Bora Bora began dressing like Michael Jackson, it was a sign that the end was near for native culture and, by extension, of indigenous languages. Abley (2003) argues that national feeling is difficult to erase. Preservation of culture may prove to be more practical than what other cultural theorists have assumed over a long period of time. The behaviour of people is often shaped by their own culture but there is an element of adopting other cultural arte facts from other cultures through coming into contact with them. Colette Harris (2006) also writes about the strength of culture in resisting challenges that may be faced from other cultures. In Muslim Youth: Tensions and Transitions in Tajikistan, Harris notes that Tajikistan has maintained much of its individuality despite its harsh geographic reality and the effects of aggressive neighbors. “Despite the fiercely atheistic Soviet rule, traditional Tajik culture maintained a typically Muslim segregation of post-puberty boys and girls” (Harris, 2006).The country has managed to preserve their language as well as cultural identity despite the influences from other countries. This country is located between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and China (p. ix). In Abley (2006), many of his subjects talk about the effect of physical borders in the modern world. For instance, the openness of the border lines on the map has failed to negatively impact on the country’s ancient culture. If this is true, then this model can be said to contrast with the idea that globalization has a destructive effect on the existence of indigenous languages and cultures. If people can survive centuries of change and still maintain a strong sense of identity, then it seems reasonable to assume that a culture can survive globalization. As Abley (2003) points out, globalization has encouraged people to take measures that are meant to preserve their language and way of life. In Wales, Gwynfor Evans, leader of the pro-Welsh-language party Plaid Cymru,staged a hunger strike to force the British government to uphold its promise to permit a Welsh-language television station (Abley, 2003, p. 249). From the works of other scholars such as Haris (2006) who argues that culture is resistant to the forces of globalisation, I would like to disagree with this assertion to a certain extent. It can be noted that the media is a vehicle for culture change during the current period. Through satellite broadcasting, it is now possible for powerful nations in particular which control the media to shape the content to suit their own needs. This state of affairs has been described as “Americanisation” of the world cultures by other scholars (Haviland & Prins et al, 2009). It can be seen that the content of media products disseminated from America is designed to suit its own culture. In the process, the receivers of the media products are somehow impacted by them since there is a tendency by them to adopt other aspects of American culture depicted in these products. Thus, it can be seen that there are certain elements of indigenous cultural values as well as language which are eroded during the process of acculturation which is concerned with adoption of other people’s cultures. Some media products are consumed subconsciously and these can have an impact on the behaviour of the people. In most cases, these products are designed in such a way that their intended purpose is not directly portrayed hence the consumers will just regard them as normal. However, they will be subconsciously consuming other cultural products that can have an effect on their language as well as behaviour. Given the high impacts of language extinction, a proactive approach to language preservation should be pursued. The most promising “best practice” currently available appears to be offered by the growth in electronic communications technology. For instance, the Maori “experiment” in New Zealand is a good example of this approach. Distance learning programs remove physical barriers and it can facilitate people to learn a second language. Language must be used on a daily basis in order to promote its preservation. For instance, English has gained an upper hand because it is used on a daily basis. It is therefore important for other nations to take a leading role in implementing measures that are meant to preserve their cultural heritage as well as language. Local media has to be developed in such a way that it promotes the dissemination of programmes that are presented in local language. In order to fight the negative impacts of globalisation, policies meant to promote the interests of the local people should be implemented so that the locals will be exposed to their own language and culture on a daily basis. Whilst it may be difficult to control the flow of information as a result of advancements in communication technology such as the internet, it can be noted that if development of local media is given priority, there are likely chances that it will appeal to the interests of the local people since it will be easier for them to identify with the media products offered. The local people should be empowered to be masters of their own destiny hence media diversity should be encouraged. If there is a wide choice of media products, there are likely chances that indigenous people will opt for local content since this is likely to appeal to their interests. Therefore, measures should be taken at a local level in order to ensure that interests of the local people are given priority. References Abley, M. (2003). Spoken Here: Travels Among Threatened Languages. New York: Houghton- Mifflin Co. Harris, C. (2006). Muslim Youth: Tensions and Transitions in Tajikistan. Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Haviland, W.A., Prins, H.E.L., Walrath, D. & McBride, B. (2009). The Essence of Anthropology. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Ka’ai, T. & Moorfield, J.C. “Transforming Communities: Technologies for Teaching and Learning Endangered Languages.” Ethnos Blog. 2011. Retrieved from http://www.ethnosproject.org. Ostler, N. (2006). Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World. New York: Harper Collins. Read More