What makes a language superior?

Today while listening to a speaker who had been asked to deliver a speech in Swahili rather than English, the speaker made an intriguing comment that “being asked to use a “less superior” requires more preparation. Though said as a, by the way, the comment got me thinking, what makes one language superior to another and what effect does this have on people and culture, in short, is it in order, to compare languages on a hierarchical scale?

Some of my findings are as follows:

1.????NO criterion determines the superiority of a language over another:

Language is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that serves a range of purposes, including communication, cultural expression, and cognitive processing. Different languages have different structures, vocabularies, and grammar rules that are better suited for certain purposes than others. For example, some languages may be better at expressing complex ideas or emotions, while others may be better suited for precise technical communication. Additionally, language is also influenced by various social, cultural, and historical factors, such as the degree of standardization, the number of speakers, and the level of prestige associated with the language.

Ultimately, the "superiority" of a language is subjective and to the core very biased depending on the context in which it is being used and the goals of the individuals who are using it.

Rather than comparing languages on a hierarchical scale, it is more important to recognize and appreciate the diversity and richness of the world's languages and the unique ways in which they contribute to human communication and culture.

2.????Comparing languages on a hierarchical scale can have several risks and negative consequences:

Linguistic imperialism: Ranking languages on a hierarchical scale can promote the idea that some languages are superior to others, which can lead to linguistic imperialism. This refers to the dominance of one language over another, often due to the economic, cultural, or political power of the speakers of that language. Linguistic imperialism can lead to the marginalization and even extinction of minority languages.

Linguistic discrimination: The belief that some languages are superior to others can also lead to linguistic discrimination. People who speak languages that are considered inferior may face discrimination and negative stereotypes, leading to a loss of self-esteem and a sense of cultural identity.

Biased comparisons: Comparing languages on a hierarchical scale can also be biased and based on subjective criteria, such as the level of complexity or the number of speakers. These criteria may not reflect the true value of a language and can lead to inaccurate or unfair comparisons.

Neglecting cultural diversity: Focusing on a small set of dominant languages and ranking them on a hierarchical scale can neglect the cultural diversity and richness of the world's languages. This can lead to a lack of appreciation for the unique ways in which different languages and cultures contribute to human communication and understanding.

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3.????In the past, comparing languages on a hierarchical scale resulted in various negative consequences:

Colonization and imperialism: During the colonial era, European powers often imposed their languages on the colonized territories, considering them superior to the indigenous languages. This led to the displacement and marginalization of indigenous languages and cultures, which often faced discrimination and stigmatization, a problem that has extended to the neo-colonial era.

Linguistic nationalism: In many countries, language has been used as a tool of nationalism, leading to the suppression of minority languages and the imposition of a dominant national language. This has often led to linguistic discrimination and the loss of cultural diversity.

Academic elitism: In the field of linguistics, some scholars have promoted the idea that certain languages are superior to others, based on criteria such as complexity or expressiveness. This has led to the neglect of many languages and dialects, which are considered "primitive" or "simplistic."

Stereotyping and prejudice: Comparing languages on a hierarchical scale can also lead to negative stereotypes and prejudice against speakers of certain languages. This can lead to linguistic discrimination and social exclusion.

4.????It is hence important that going forward we avoid?comparing languages on a hierarchical scale by adopting the following approaches

Promote linguistic diversity: Instead of focusing on a small set of dominant languages, we can celebrate the diversity and richness of the world's languages and promote the preservation and revitalization of minority languages.

Emphasize the value of all languages: All languages have their unique value and contribution to human communication and culture. By recognizing the value of all languages, we can avoid the tendency to rank them on a hierarchical scale.

Avoid cultural stereotypes: Comparing languages on a hierarchical scale often involves stereotyping and generalizing about speakers of certain languages. By avoiding cultural stereotypes and promoting cultural understanding, we can avoid the negative consequences of language-based discrimination.

Promote linguistic equality: We can work towards promoting linguistic equality by recognizing and supporting the rights of all individuals and communities to use and develop their languages.

Foster linguistic and cultural exchange: By promoting linguistic and cultural exchange, we can create opportunities for people to learn from each other and appreciate the diversity of human culture and communication.

#languagelearning #diversityinclusion #inclusionmatters