2 Language and Cultural Identity
PRESENTED PAPERS
Impact of ICT on Indigenous knowledge communication in Canada
Presenter: Guo Lingji
This paper explores how information and communications technology (ICT) impacts indigenous knowledge communication in Canada. While the current study suggested that indigenous peoples are left out of digital information and communication technology due to an imbalance in ICT development, many scholars are devoted to improving the penetration rate of Internet infrastructures in rural areas and marginalized communities, introducing non-profit organization investment, and urging the government to strengthen investment. However, there are fewer studies on indigenous people’s culture and knowledge development and communication. Many studies on indigenous knowledge systems and cultures are superficial, failing to emphasize the importance of their maintenance, development, and dissemination. This paper argues that ICT is not only a tool to communicate indigenous knowledge but also a chance to develop indigenous knowledge and culture. Through narrative documents, research, and digital materials about indigenous knowledge, the role of ICT is demonstrated by analyzing those materials. I gathered data from documents, research, and digital resources to acquire a better understanding of the effects of ICT on indigenous knowledge communication. Several First Nation personal tales were gathered via internet platforms and social media. The analysis concluded that ICT plays a positive role in helping preserve indigenous culture and knowledge but affects the purity of indigenous knowledge and culture. This paper aims to contribute to the digital communication of indigenous knowledge and culture.
Linguistic binarism and discrimination of linguistic minorities in North America
Presenter: Magalie Pouliot – Maillette
As a French-Canadian living in British Columbia, a predominantly English-speaking province, I have often felt singled out or discriminated for the way I speak English. The ideology of native-speakerism encompasses the belief that there is a ‘right’ way of speaking English which is based on a white Western ideal differentiating between native and non-native English-speakers. This essay focuses on the impact of native-speakerism on linguistic minorities in North America by exploring language-based discrimination through power dynamic, learning and social spheres. Through the perpetuity of mistreatments and discrimination on the account of accented speech, syntax, and grammar, native-speakerism creates a dichotomous discourse. The Western native speaker is given ownership over the English language thus effectively robbing non-native of their right over the language and creating a stereotype of incompetence and ignorance vis-à-vis the latter group. The ideology of native-speakerism forgets about the diversity of cultures and background of English speakers, native or not. The Western ideal is upheld as the benchmark of proficiency and competence in language learning. Not only is it a near impossible benchmark to attain for non-native but it also denies non-native prestigious and extensive career opportunities in English-language learning. Finally, the social impact of native-speakerism includes othering, hinderance in career advancement, challenge in understanding, and miscommunication. With the spread of English around the world and a growing number of English-speakers who first language isn’t English, there is a need to re-evaluate English standards and promote English speaking of all forms. Sensitizing workplaces to accented speech, changing teaching methodology and mentality, or promoting English as an international inclusive language are all solutions that have been offered to promote equality among all English-speakers.
SUBMITTED PAPERS
The impact of the English language on economic development
Presenter: Asadu Zaman Nur
People are becoming more mobile in today’s globalized society, and they frequently need to converse in many languages. Learning a new language is an asset to one’s personal development. Immigrants must know the language of their host country, but again non-migrants must know other languages if their job requires them to communicate with people from other countries. Proficiency in a global language is vital for economic prosperity and promotes economic productivity, according to economic research (Osama, 2020). Sustaining linguistic variety, on the other hand, has importance since language is a representation of people’s culture.
Having a single common language might make commerce between various parties from different countries easier and less expensive. It also assists economies in participating in and benefiting from the global economy. Language policy, planning, and education, on the other hand, are critical instruments for economic growth.
According to World Economic Forum ( 2017), the relationship between both English proficiency and gross national income per capita is a recursive process, with better English abilities leading to higher earnings, that allows countries and corporations to contribute further to teaching English. Enhanced English abilities help individuals to qualify for good opportunities and boost overall life quality on a local level
Language’s potential role in economic and social development has long piqued the interest of academics from a variety of disciplines. However, no clear story has emerged from the published investigations to date, and the scientific data is incomplete (Nettle, 2000). The issues involved are extremely broad, and it is hard to pinpoint accurately the nature of the links that one desires to classify and then quantify: what means “progress”? And, given that ‘language’ permeates nearly every aspect of individual and social life, including socio-economic development, which depictions of language should we expect to play a particular influence in deciding growth consequences?
Cultural and language identity and its effect on Globalisation
Presenter: Laura Natasha
Whether we support or criticise the concept of globalisation (from the many perspectives globalisation can be observed, and in particular its linguistic side), the same one is here, and here to stay, which is visible through its various manifestations, from economy and trade, over travels to global decision-making processes, among other facets.
Some of the central aspects of the globalisation; in fact, the cross-cutting issues that permeate nearly all of the human activity are precisely communication and language. This essay focuses on some of the aspects thereof by describing some of the major concepts that link globalisation, on the one, and communication, on the other hand, as well as some of the theoretical approaches of the communicologists that have been dealing with this interconnectedness and its implications. Oftentimes we can hear that communication and language – their forms and tools – have made the world a “global village”. This statement is not far from the colloquial truth which interestingly comes very close to reality.
How are the original cultures treated when new forms of communication and “global language” start emerging? What are these communication and language forms (like), what tools do they use and what are their implications on the way people form – or unform – their bonds and what affects the quality of communication worldwide? What are some of the major thoughts that the leading communicologists have about these developments? This essay aims at opening the door to some fundamental conclusions about these issues.
Globalisation is not simply homogenisation. When viewed from a technological perspective, it is quite noticeable that people do not merely passively accept the influence of the globalisation as perceived in this article; rather, they enjoy a great deal of subjectivity and freedom to change and create culture. In this context, the more technology is utilised, the more globalisation reflects the so-called theory of convergence, i.e., it promotes cultural and language identity. By respecting the diversity of peoples and their cultures in this new era, this approach can lead to a global community marked by unity in pluralism.