I find the debate about language as part of one’s own identity very important. There are however, serious linguistic as well as more politically motivated arguments that we need to distinguish from each other. What constitutes a nation-state? We can talk about the concepts of territory, constitution or case law, its people and currency and of course its language to mention just a few features. At least in the euro zone -- comprised of 15 states where the euro has replaced national currencies -- the monetary aspect is no longer valid. Territories continue to exist even in the European Union of today, as do nation states. So what about language? Language is a crucial ingredient when it comes to determining the individual “belonging” to a state. However, language can also belong to a region and its inhabitants. While language may help determine a state, it may also be about a region and establish that region’s identity, too. The Welsh language is one such example and so is Gaelic, which is still spoken in parts of Scotland and Ireland. Regional dialects add spice to their respective national languages. One thing is certain however; there must be a standard level of national language -- or regional language if taught at school -- which everyone has to adhere to.
The article I refer to was about the fact that English words have entered the Turkish language and it is, hence, losing its identity. I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement. In a globalized world some English words simply have become part and parcel of everyday life. Take “ATM” as a case in point. In Turkish it is pronounced using Turkish spelling, while the original meaning has not been altered. Take “caffé latte” as another example; a caffé latte has its origin in Italian and is more or less prepared in the same manner around the world. Have ATM and caffé latte altered the Turkish language? I do not think so. Rather, I would argue that it is good for our children to develop a sense for a second language by being exposed to it, even at home.
While a national and regional language is vital, adding and learning about a second language has become a must. Take a third example, a “laptop” is exactly what it says: A “lap”-top computer. And why shouldn’t Turkish children happily enjoy a sandwich?
The debate I introduce here, thanks to the aforementioned article in a regional newspaper, reflects on something totally different. Some groups in society claim that their own identity is on the way out due to Europeanization and globalization. Michael E. Porter from the Harvard Business School would disagree and rather tell us that globalization leads to renewed localization. Local cooperation brings cross-border success, he writes. Both Europeanization and globalization are here, and are here to stay. We must prepare our children for it so that they can enjoy the benefits. English is still the language of choice for international trade and commerce.
It can be quite trendy to use a few foreign words in your everyday usage of, let’s say, English. My former supervisor at university happily incorporated the German word “gemütlichkeit,” something like the state of being merry while being in a safe and somewhat cozy environment at home or in a restaurant, into his otherwise pure BBC English. A few years later “übercool,” twice as cool or trendy, so to speak, was added. “Zeitgeist” has become part of everyday usage. Adult users of any national or regional language will never overdo it though -- language has its own conventions.
My point is that there is nothing wrong with ordering a croissant and caffé latte in the local Internet café while chatting on facebook. What would be wrong is if SMS language replaces traditional Turkish, or English for that matter, or if our students forget to write and speak proper Turkish. Funnily enough, the article that I refer to was published in an English language newspaper.
