The Future of Language
ASIAN Geographic|AG 120 2016

How technology and globalisation are changing language as we know it.

Oliver Jarvis
The Future of Language

In our everchanging lexical world, where languages twist and turn, and sometimes bend over backwards or die out to suit trends, cultural changes and technology, the future of the spoken and written word is difficult to predict.

Around the World

The influence of globalisation is operating in quicker and more complex ways, and creating a more connected world than ever before. This multi-cultural epoch that we live in affects language in significant ways, for wherever we go, we bring our language with us.

As the impact of the major global languages increases, it continues to pressurise local languages into adapting, and year by year we are seeing more languages bowing out. The extinction of many of Taiwan’s indigenous languages – from Ketagalan to Siraya – is a direct reaction to the spread of Mandarin in the country, and presents a hard hitting reality for many local languages that this may also be their fate.

But could this extinction of local tongues follow suit on a global scale? Linguist, educationalist and communications professional Teresa Tinsley does not believe that the world will return to a ‘pre-Babel’ state where we all speak one major language. Some linguists suggest that either English or Chinese will form the world’s lingua franca. In fact, many of the major languages inter-breed with the local colloquialisms and create a variant form of that language.

Bu hikaye ASIAN Geographic dergisinin AG 120 2016 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye ASIAN Geographic dergisinin AG 120 2016 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

ASIAN GEOGRAPHIC DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
A Spectrum Of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red Of Asian Flags
ASIAN Geographic

A Spectrum Of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red Of Asian Flags

A common thread that unites many Asian flags is the prominent use of red, a colour rich with symbolism

time-read
4 dak  |
AG 165
Curry: A World of Flavour, Tradition, and Culture
ASIAN Geographic

Curry: A World of Flavour, Tradition, and Culture

From its humble beginnings in India, the concept of "curry" has evolved into a culinary language understood around the world

time-read
7 dak  |
AG 165
The Power Of Asian Red Fruits - Discover 10 Nutrient-Rich Gems Of The East
ASIAN Geographic

The Power Of Asian Red Fruits - Discover 10 Nutrient-Rich Gems Of The East

In the vast tapestry of Nature, Asia has gifted the world an array of unique and vibrant fruits, particularly those in shades of red. These scarlet-hued gems, packed with flavour and nutrients, not only add a burst of colour to your plate but also carry valuable health benefits. From antioxidant-rich goji berries to the exotic dragon fruit, let's explore some of the most popular red fruits from Asia and discover why they should be part of your diet.

time-read
5 dak  |
AG 165
Bhutan: A World Of Its Own
ASIAN Geographic

Bhutan: A World Of Its Own

With its majestic monasteries, red-robed monks, charming rural villages, and vibrant festivals, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a Himalayan paradise that promises an enriching travel experience like no other

time-read
3 dak  |
AG 165
Take The Red Pill
ASIAN Geographic

Take The Red Pill

From the vermilion torii gates of Japan to the famed rust-hued walls of India's Agra Fort, the burgundy robes of Burmese monks to scarlet chillies drying in the Bangladeshi sun, red is the quintessential colour of Asia.

time-read
3 dak  |
AG 165
70 Days for Our Land Animals
ASIAN Geographic

70 Days for Our Land Animals

Raising awareness about conservation, the environment, and the land-dwelling species of the world

time-read
2 dak  |
AG 165
The Red Panda
ASIAN Geographic

The Red Panda

Meet the elusive guardian of the Eastern Himalayas

time-read
4 dak  |
AG 165
Revealed Doctor Yellow
ASIAN Geographic

Revealed Doctor Yellow

Japan Railways' special lemony Shinkansen is a rare sight to behold

time-read
3 dak  |
AG 164
The Mighty Yellow
ASIAN Geographic

The Mighty Yellow

Over 5,000 kilometres long and flowing through nine provinces and autonomous regions, the Yellow River is China's second largest, after the Yangtze, while its basin is deemed the cradle of Chinese civilisation

time-read
3 dak  |
AG 164
Wildlife Big Yellow Beauty
ASIAN Geographic

Wildlife Big Yellow Beauty

The popular "amelanistic" form of the Burmese python is considered among the most beautiful snakes - if that's your sort of thing

time-read
4 dak  |
AG 164