Languaging – Blog

Language Privilege. You may be wondering how this is really a thing. Let me tell you why the chance and the opportunity to learn languages allows one to immerse and learn about different cultures, opening up their global perspective.

Since early childhood, I’ve held an enduring fascination for diverse cultures and locations. Consequently, my inquisitive nature naturally gravitated towards languages and their intricate subtleties. Throughout my experiences, I’ve encountered numerous words and expressions in various languages that defy adequate translation into English, or sometimes, lack an equivalent altogether. For example, in the Spanish language, there are expressions like “sobremesa” and “empalagar” that offer unique insights into the culture. “Sobremesa” refers to the cherished time spent lingering at the table after a meal, engaging in relaxed conversation with family and friends. This concept encapsulates the importance of social connections and savoring the moment beyond simply eating. On the other hand, “empalagar” captures the sensation of being overwhelmed or excessively full, often associated with indulging in too much of something sweet or rich. This single word conveys a vivid experience that can be challenging to express succinctly in English. These Spanish expressions beautifully showcase the intricate tapestry of language and the nuances that make each culture distinct.

Having said that, language is not seen as something we choose, but rather as a given, passed down by our families, nationalities, and where we are born and raised. Most importantly, as I myself have experienced, it is the people we surround ourselves by that most influence this aspect of identity.

Growing up in a society where one acquires, learns, or is raised speaking a “powerful language” bestows certain privileges and advantages on an individual in the global context. English, alongside its diverse dialects, holds the prestigious position of being the most commonly spoken language across the globe, often serving as the default choice. It enjoys unrivaled international recognition, particularly in domains such as science, law, and humanitarian literature, facilitating seamless communication among countless individuals worldwide. This recognition is evident in prominent organizations like the International Olympics Committee, which designates English and French as its official languages, and the United Nations, which acknowledges English as one of its official languages. Given these compelling factors, it is no wonder that English has come to be widely acknowledged as a truly international language.

Within the realm of languages that there are, we can clearly determine which are seen as the more favorable based on three factors:

• easier access to social, political, and educational institutions
• access to an additional form of capital
• the ability to avoid having one’s speech perceived negatively

We can see trough real life experiences that English indefinitely meets and surpasses these factors. From the UN, to the olympics committee to even road signs throughout the world:

Language privilege intersects with privileges associated with race, geography, ethnicity, nationality, and social class. Fluency in English grants individuals ease in various aspects of daily life, such as reading signs, legal documents, and educational materials, as well as conducting official business in their dominant language. Non-fluent speakers, on the other hand, may struggle with basic tasks like communicating with cashiers, following the news, or completing forms. This privilege is often assumed by decision-makers in education and business, presuming that everyone in a particular location can speak the dominant language proficiently, even in diverse societies like the USA, the UK, or different states in India.

The dominance of English has led to its perception as a superior language, with many countries adopting it as a second language to enhance their global standing. Native English speakers often have a narrow perspective, assuming that they can comfortably travel or relocate to other countries without making substantial efforts to learn other languages, as they expect others to cater to their linguistic needs.

In conclusion, language privilege is a real phenomenon that intersects with various other privileges related to race, geography, ethnicity, nationality, and social class. The opportunity to learn languages allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures and expand their global perspective. However, language privilege is not evenly distributed, and fluency in languages such as English grants significant advantages in accessing social, political, and educational institutions. English’s dominance as an international language has created a perception of superiority and has led to the expectation that others will accommodate English speakers, while the efforts to learn other languages are often overlooked. It is crucial to recognize and address language privilege to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their linguistic background.

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