The Politics of Language Adoption

As mentioned in a previous blog, countries across the world are faced with an important decision, to adopt or restrict the use of the English language. I argued that they are mostly concerned with conservation of native languages and culture, yet I neglected to acknowledge that there are important political forces at work. Many countries are adopting English to guarantee a place in the world market, but is this the only reason? For example, in Georgia, as aforementioned, President Saakashvili was implemented major changes in schools that would increase the number of students who learn English. Yuliya brought to my attention that Saakashvili was educated at Columbia University in NYC and has a reputation for being very closely tied to the American government. How much did his political connections with the U.S. influence his decision? I believe it certainly played an important role; he clearly wants continued financial aid from the U.S. and thus sees it necessary for younger generations to learn English and maintain friendly ties with America. Similarly, Spanish educated President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines is receiving the Don Quixote Prize from Spain for her efforts to reinstate the teaching and use of Spanish in schools. In conjunction with the presentation of the award, bilateral talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the current president of the European Union, are in order. By teaching Spanish in schools, the government was provided the opportunity to interact with the Spanish government.

http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22153
http://news.brunei.fm/2010/04/11/philippine-president-to-receive-spain’s-don-quixote-prize-for-promoting-spanish-language-in-schools/

In another case, the Greeks encourage the preservation and use of Greek language in Australia. A group called the Union of Modern Greek Instructors of Victoria plans to hold a conference next month during which they will discuss how to improve the grade of professional Greek instructors in Australia and identify pre-existing problems with Greek instruction (In 2006, 252,222 Australians spoke Greek). The two countries have been longtime allies and trade partners; in the last fiscal year, trade between the countries was valued at $229 million. Also, recently, in light of the economic crisis in Greece, Australia provided the country an aid package valued as much as $61 billion dollars. We see again how foreign language adoption is affiliated with economic and political ties.

http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/greece/greece_country_brief.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=a31Ydmc37oHQ

In a different situation, language can be used as a reconciliatory tool. For example, in Turkey, Armenian is now offered as an optional language class. The government began including it in schools' curriculum as part of their "zero problems with neighbours" policy and consider it a "gesture." It is an effort to mend Turkey's longtime tense relations with the Armenian community. They will later offer Arabic and Hebrew as well to strengthen relations with their Arab and Israeli neighbors.

http://www.historyoftruth.com/news/latest/6438-armenian-language-classes-may-be-optional-in-schools

As seen through these examples, language helps strengthen or create ties between countries and is closely tied to politics. What do you think? Do the political connections or language ties come first? Does it matter?