Different languages - do we need them?

[Romeo]

Wouldn't it be simpler if the whole world spoke one language? And it might as well be English - it's the language of the Americans, who call the shots around the world. And many Brits, Aussies and Canadians make their presence felt. Go anywhere in the world and you'll eventually meet an English speaker (not a Manx speaker or a Croatian speaker). Even in China there are public advertisements partly in English.

By the way, I am not saying there SHOULDN'T be different languages, I'm just trying to stir up a debate.

[mibn2cweus]

Different languages have their own appeal. Give me diversity, options and the freedom to choose. Let's keep it interesting and let languages compete for our attention based on their perceived merits. Different languages remind us of the benefits of being able to communicate, offer an alternative perspective and help us to further appreciate the virtues of our chosen language. When a language goes extinct we lose a page in the history of our shared heritage and understand less where we came from and to where we should be going.

Oooo, that reminds me . . . CUL8R ~ ~ ~ <o/�\o>

[Bazile]

No - or at least keep spanish - cos I will have wasted my money on that learn to speak spanish tuition pack .

Now then ... cafe con leche , dos azucar , por favor

Was that ok , or shall I get my coat ?

[Romeo]

Muy bien, Bazile. No ir a buscar su abrigo.

[THECORBYLOON]

Even if the whole world spoke one language, there would still be dialects and accents. Given the distances involved, there would be the difficulty in understanding each other. I have had problems understanding the twins on Big Brother and they come fae the English Midlands.

[andrea81]

Why not have one language for all plus their native language. So you're not saying, forget other languages, you're just saying learn yours and another universal language such as English!

Compromise!

[jno]

I think that's what most people in the west do, andrea. Except the English.