Prologue: ‘Crazy English’

            ‘Crazy English’ is the phrase that better defines the prologue of Globish. Here McCrum describes how the English language has conquered the whole world. English has transcended frontiers, generations, societies, cultures and politics. Countries and societies such as China, Japan, India, Korea and even Germany have recognized English as an important vehicle for business and communication. In China for example, The Renmin University “also known as the People’s University” has promoted a Friday evening routine that allows students to hold English conversation. Flows in the air a question about this phenomenon; why a country such as China that is known for its communist party welcomes English language as a part of its daily life? This phenomenon tells us “a lot about the aspirations of contemporary Chinese- and the state of the nation” (McCrum).

English also has contributed with the unity of nations. No wonder students in Japan practice their speaking repeating fragments from the speeches of President Barack Obama. Asian countries such as Korea, have transformed English in a kind of ‘crazy language’ that allow people to communicate easily in this foreign language. English language has given birth to many hybrids “like Konglish (English in South Korea), and Manglish (Malay and English).” Same phenomenon occurs in other Hispanic countries where spanglish (Spanish and English) has spread throughout the South American continent. In addition, English is used not only in politics but also in media. McCrum mentions in his prologue how President Mikheil Saakashvili “exploited his fluency in English to dominate the international coverage” during the crisis in Georgia (august 2008).

            Finally, the author questions the role that English language plays in different areas of society. Art, literature, sports and business have been contaminated with the ‘virus’ of English. McCrum uses a metaphor to describe this phenomenon, “of English language has always been to adapt itself, like mercury, to every new contour.”

            As McMcrum says, English has conquered all the nations around the world. I could see the phenomenon during my last visit to Colombia; I saw not only the influence of American culture but also the incursion of the American language into our country. The traditional multicolor signs and advertisement disappeared. Nowadays, stores, malls and even small shopping centers promote their merchandise using signs and advertisement in English. T.V and Radio are also influenced by English. Therefore, young people use a kind of ‘crazy English’ or Spanglish ( Spanish and English) that allow them to be involved with the language of the millennium; ‘Globish.’

Book for Research Paper

            “Globish: How the English Language Became the World’s Language” got my attention because I have always been intrigued about this question.  In the world there are several languages and all of them are grammatically complex and interesting. However, English has developed a powerful role in all worlds’ societies, especially in the world of business. On this book Robert MacCrum starts his presentation talking about the Pre- Roman Britain and its power during the nineteenth century. He also describes how this power spread out to America, a colony of the island nation. America became a military, industrial and business powerful nation and English became “the worldwide dialect of the third millennium.”

My language, My Background, My identity

My Language, My Background, My Identity

            Colombia the country where I was born was colonized by Spanish; therefore, my primary language is Spanish. I grew up in a humble family and neighborhood in Cali- Colombia. I got my first words from my mother and aunts. I believe that being raised by women without a masculine figure at home made the difference not only in the way I developed my personality but also in the way I acquired my primary language. I could prove my theory when I started high school. Even though some of my classmates lived in my neighborhood, they used some words that sounded stronger for me.  The reason for this situation was that they had a father at home. Some years ago men not only played a different roll in a family but also they used some words and vocabulary that women never used. However, I also believe that children, who grew up in the same neighborhood, developed certain language and dialect that characterizes the whole community.

            The relationship with parents and relatives is very important for children in the acquisition of their first words. But the relationships with other members of the community allow children not only to enhance their vocabulary but also to develop a language as part of their identity. In Colombia for example, we recognize people because of their dialect, accent, and particular words used in each region. This means that language is an essential part of our identity.

            Although Spanish was the language I spoke at home and school, it became different when I had to interact with other classmates that came from different neighborhoods and social status. However, I conserved the essence of my mother tongue. At home we learn language by listening to mother and adults. Thus, we incorporate new words throughout sounds. On the other hand, at school we learn grammatical rules that permit us to organize and construct sentences correctly.  At college we start to cultivate our language because we have the opportunity to interact with people who have a high education.

            Learning a new language has been hard for me. Even though I have taken many English courses, the process of learning has been delayed for a long time. I am motivated to learn English but I still have big problems not only with my writing but also with my speaking and pronunciation. I believe that the process of learning a new language involves our brain. Therefore, children learn easily because they are growing interacting and listening to native speakers. On the other hand, adults have to process new information that make their learning more complicated.
           Language happens in the same way as walking or running. It is an inherent process of imitation of others. I wonder what could happens if there was an universal language. Considering different cultures, societies and beliefs, could language be a part of people’s identity? Finally, reading Deutscher I realized that language, culture and identity have an intimate relationship.