Language as a communication barrier
June 22nd, 2004 by Bill
I read Ron’s post on language and hip-hop and chat rooms (Mrs. Van doesn’t live here anymore) and had to throw in my two cents. Because I agree, though I’d like to add a few thoughts.
First of all, why would this be an issue? I think we need to say why it’s important to have language we all can understand. And the answer is simple: so we actually can understand each other. People need a common language to communicate.
It also needs to be said that this language need not be English or, if it is, the “Queen’s” English. The emphasis on what we call proper English is only because, traditionally, it is generally more universal than other languages (at least in North America which, yes, is not the centre of the universe).
We tread on dangerous ground though because language is cultural, generational and often, in practice, even racial. Hence, the language of hip-hop and chat rooms. While languages in cases like these help to identify and even bind us culturally and/or racially, they also serve as barriers when we need to communicate with others beyond the group.
Question: when it comes to bridging the gap between a group and the larger community, who is responsible? I suppose it depends on who has the greater need to communicate. I don’t think there is an easy answer to this one other than to say that without a willingness on both sides to make an effort at communication then no matter who makes the move, whatever communication is accomplished stands a good chance of being tainted to some degree by resentment.
Do we need language skills? Experience tells me yes, definitely. In business, I often see e-mails and reports that underline this. The biggest problem? They are unclear about what they mean or, worse, they suggest a meaning that is not what the communicator intended.
What language should these skills be based on? For me, the answer is English. However, I don’t live in China. If I did, there’s a good chance I would have a different answer.
But in terms of English, I think the real problem we face is the way in which it is splintering into variations, very much reflecting how we are subdividing socially along cultural, generational, racial, sexual, economic and other lines. And the problem with that lies in the fact our linguistic variations are increasingly characterized by exclusivity, and that results in an inability to communicate with anyone outside our particular group.
Ironically, language is becoming an increasing barrier to communication.
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