Language and Communication for Science - Coursework Example

Language and communication for science Introduction Language plays a key contribution to the development and modernization of the entire world. This emanates from the use of information expressed in a given language to advance the scientific research, leading to development of knowledge. Such knowledge allows scientists to innovate technological systems that promote the advancement of the world. English serves as the prime language in the field of research. Consequent to this, nations that do not speak English are compelled to formulate policies that ensure they access the scientific knowledge. More to these, the ability to store scientific information, and retrieve it using minimum resources promotes the rate of development in any given country. The Therefore, following the relationship between language and scientific development, I intend to expound on this relation. More to this, I shall give an examination of what this relationship implies in human resources development planning, and use Japan and China as illustrations. Language, science, and information Scientific knowledge refers to objective knowledge of the universe and its phenomena. Such knowledge derives from the use of scientific methods of inquiry, and goes through public validation process to ensure it conforms to the empirical observations of natural phenomena. Storing such knowledge for further scientific advancement, as well as reference leads to the generation of scientific literature, which can be defined as a store of objective knowledge. Consequent to this, a clear relation develops between science and language as the knowledge developed gets to be stored in a certain form of language. Having elaborated on this relationship, I continue by highlighting the importance of language in the process of modernization. Importance of language in the process of modernization Scientific literature provides scientists with an accumulation of scientific knowledge. Given that scientists do not function in isolation, such literature provides them with the necessary information to boost their research. They refer to the scientific literature, to gain an understanding of what research has been done in the past. In addition to this, they get to develop knowledge gaps in such scientific knowledge, thus advancing the research process. Sharing the information with other scientists, using language as a means of communication, helps in innovating technologies that lead to the modernization of underdeveloped and developing nations. Given that scientists derive the required scientific information from scientific literature, the time taken to access the information determines the viability of any research undertaking in a given country. A country with a fast access to scientific information paves way for rapid scientific discovery, technical innovation, as well as scientific application. Consequent to this, such a country acquires a higher rate of modernization, compared to a country without fast access of information, because it undertakes research and development in a more economical manner. Therefore, ensuring that a country possesses the required management procedures and equipment for reduced information access is inevitable, if research and development has to take place. Scientific information doubles in quantity every four years. This means that the scientific literature grows rapidly on an annual basis. For a country to use this knowledge to modernize itself, it means that the country ought to have suitable mechanisms that ensure researchers match the rapid pace of information growth. This ensures that the country manages to close the existing gaps of knowledge, and gain important information that prevents it from retarding as other countries continue to develop. Modernization requires a country to have the capacity to access information adequately. Given the complex nature of information, a sophisticated information access system ought to be present for proper modernization. The system should have capacity to access information from the various sources of scientific knowledge. Primary sources, such as, journals accumulate on a daily basis. Consequently, being able to access them plays a major role in efficient modernization. More to these, secondary and tertiary sources also multiply daily, thus necessitating an effective information retrieval, and management system. In additional to these, the system needs to have a plan of accessing information, which rarely gets to the major databases. These include information discussed in conferences, symposiums, as well as patent documents. Importance of the English language Given that most of the available scientific language in computer systems, which help in the storage of information, is usually in the English language, countries that advocate for modernization, as well as national development is compelled to use this language. Therefore, non-English speaking countries have no choice, but to assimilate English in their research endeavors, thus emphasizing the need for language in scientific research. Accessing such information in the English language also empowers the countries as they gain a competitive edge in international markets, through accessing information that allow the nations to advance their production, and apply better technologies in their industries. Examination of what the science/language relation implies for aspects of human resources development planning Human resources development planning plays a vital role in the modernization effort of any nation. Therefore, planning on how a country can acquire a pool of human resources, who can enhance the scientific discovery of a country, contributes to rapid development. The case of China Following the dominant use of the Chinese language in this country, developing mechanisms that aid in the development of the English language is critical. This follows the nature of scientific knowledge and scientific information access systems, which provide information in English, instead of Chinese. Establishing mechanisms that can promote accessibility of this information accelerates the pace of development in the country, and paves way for the country to halt its technological dependency on other nations. These mechanisms include the creation of a large pool of English users with the ability to handle the scientific information. Such people must be trained to enable them handle the large amounts of technical information. More to these, the users must be widely available in the various sectors of the economy. They must operate in the economic and industrial sectors of the economy for successful technology transfer. Consequent to this, the need for a information access system arises, which should consist of five components. First, there must be a large number of competent English speakers and readers, as well as an education system to develop and ensure maintenance of such skills. Secondly, an up to date library system must be accessible. Third, international, and local journals must be availed to allow for efficient exchange, and support of scientific research. Fourth, the country must develop a sophisticated computer information and retrieval network for the leading research and development undertakings. Lastly, a large network of informal written contacts, private exchanges, and open conferences must be provided (Grabe, & Kaplan, 105). The case of Japan After the World War 11, Japan experienced a destruction of its technical and scientific establishments, which were quite advanced before the war. However, the country managed to recover from the destruction as it developed an effective strategy. The strategy involved the acquisition of technical information, as well as proper ways of managing such information. It also invested heavily in academic research, which served as a national goal of the country. They sent specialists to the western countries to enquire about information systems, and get to understand how they could use them to develop Japan. This led to the creation of a The Japan Information Center for Science and Technology. The center identified relevant information, translated it into the Japanese language, stored, retrieved, and disseminated the information. More to these, the country invested heavily in translating the available information from English to Japanese, thus making it easier to advance scientific research in Japan. Additionally, JICST adopted the use of computers, which ensured efficient storage of scientific knowledge. The country also invested in educating its citizen as it sent them to USA, where they got equipped with the necessary skills. Consequent to these, the country retains a leading position in the field of science to date. Reference Grabe, W. & Kaplan, R. (1985). Science, Technology, Language and Information: Implications for Language and Language-in-Education Planning. Social Science Information Studies 5: 99-120. Read More