Post Replies

1.) When I was younger I was born in a American state, while I am African American and my parents where born in Eritrea, I only learned English but my heritage language was hard for me to learn. I knew a few words but I just couldn’t do it all. But I believe that it’s not right to force people to make them have a language that only you want them to use. When it comes to stuff like this its best to not interfere with it and just let others decided what they want to say, instead of forcing them to speak in the same way and for your own personal game, makes things more peaceful.

2.) The impact of not having language diversity on the internet is the lack of including more communities. With English dominating the internet, it prevents people who do not speak English from getting involved with the internet. This restricts both ideas from people who do not speak English and their access to the resources that are in English. If the internet language was more diverse, it opens the door to more ideas and opinions that could differ from someone who speaks English.

3.) At my high school, Foster High School, we’re known for our diversity; however, sometimes it’s not considered when things are done. When we plan events, we consider the fact that there are people that are still learning the language, so we need to make it so that everyone at our school can understand what we’re doing. There used to be tutoring for students learning English as a second language, but it’s not done anymore. Whenever something is sent out to our families, it’s often translated into various languages so that everyone can understand. My school district is a diverse one and it accounts for those that might not understand English as well as others. Whenever there’s conferences, they ask if translators are needed and if so, what language. As a class officer, I often post things in the Google Classroom made for Class of 2023 (made by us, the class officers, to communicate with others in our grade) I wonder if those people that are learning English are able to understand it as clearly as myself. I wonder if the way I word things are confusing– and if they think of it as me deliberately doing it.

4.) Requiring students to learn English early on can benefit those students in many ways. These benefits can range from Improving and expanding employment prospects, bettering access to world-class education systems and facilities, or even helping them if they plan to start a life in an English-speaking country. Also, by referencing the “The Internet Lacks Language Diversity” article by The Times of India, learning the English language could help people have access to more than half of the web. This improves people’s ability to access various information and data-filled websites.  But in the article, “Africa’s colonization of the English language continues aspace” by Afua Hirch, described how English was imposed on Africa through force. This is the disadvantage of English being required for some students to learn early on. A Kenyon novelist by the name of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o even described “children at his English-speaking school in Nairobi being beaten if they were caught speaking Gĩkũyũ”. In my opinion, even if there are benefits to learning the English language, no one should face punishment or violence for speaking their native language just so they adopt it.

5.) An implication of not having diverse languages on the internet is having to learn English or other languages on the internet to be able to use it. The internet is growing every second and more information and data are being applied. Not having access or not knowing how to understand what is on the internet is a major disadvantage compared to people who can, They can spread and receive information quicker and learn much more just with the internet Because of how strong the internet has grown I believe a lot of people think it’s a must to learn English and be able to understand the internet and use it to it fullest.   

6.) Many countries prioritize the learning of English at a young age as it gives them benefits when compared to others that don’t understand English. As English is one of the most important languages for global business it can help give an advantage in that sector. English is also one of the most recognized languages in many countries so having the advantage of being able to talk to people with the same language in a different country. With this in mind, it is still detrimental that many countries try to adopt English. This belief that everyone should learn English also draws people away from their native language. This itself is damaging as losing languages means losing cultures.