Do We Need A Universal Language?

Jacquelyn N. TawneyHannaW131-448010-16-07Exploratory Essay

JT 2DO WE NEED A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE? This is a tough question that we must face in this new millennium.Some may argue that a universal language is necessary; others may feelthat it would be a waste of collected effort. A large percent of the populationwould most likely pose a new question: who cares?Before we can even ponder the different arguments of this issue, wemust define what is meant by the term “universal language”. On a veryextreme scale, a universal language would be one that every human beingon the planet speaks and is fluent in. It would be the only language in whichwe, as a world, write and converse with. From another perspective, we canconsider a universal language as one that everyone knows and can usefluently, but only uses when necessary. It could be one that only nationalheads would use this language.As to who this issue effects, it is clearly everyone. Every single personof the estimated 6,602,224,175 that populate this world (www.cia.gov) mustcommunicate with each other. Through speech, written text, or even signlanguage, different languages are used, and it is necessary for everyone toconsider the possibility of a universal language to simplify the daily issues wehave in communicating globally.However, in the case that the universal language is only used bygovernment leaders, we already defeat the purpose of the nationallanguage. But what are the goals in having a universal language? Tyingtogether all two hundred and sixty five nations (www.un.org) with one

JT 3language would be the most prominent, prolific goal, with many othersfollowing close behind. If there were one language, this great universallanguage, we could strike down the language barrier and communicate asone, thus joining together the six point six billion people who live on Earth(www.cia.gov). This could end wars, eliminate poverty, cure cancer! Maybethe outcome won’t be so extreme, but in the least we could all work togethertowards a universal peace.With the good also comes the bad. In attempting to establish auniversal language, we come across a few bumps. Which language do weswitch to? How do we even begin to spread the new language to everysingle person? And more importantly, won’t we lose the values, the cultures,which go along with each native language?Apparently, there is already much debate over the topic of a universallanguage. While researching the current debates, one can find that somebelieve that English is already a universal language of sorts, playing its kingcard on the internet and in many science research journals. Although it issurely showing progress, English will never be able to officially hold the titleof “universal language”. Why? Because every language is more than just abunch of letters, symbols, sounds. Each is a history, a cultural record keeper.Each language originated as unwritten, meaning that the only way itdeveloped, as it still does, was by word of mouth. Different people spoke itwith separate accents, dialects, with slang. And where exactly did thesevariations come from? The culture. The history. The people themselves!