The View From Carnegie 210

I think this is an excellent question and I would like us to pick it up after Spring Break. Your point in class about the perceptions of the British versus perceptions of Americans was also well taken...I would consider your assessment of that difference in terms of answering your question about the importance of knowing how to communicate in a culture versus knowing about the language within the circle.

This is a generalization, but most Americans accept that they only need to know one language (English) to get by in today's world. I think this is the case because of America's history (in particular our roles in the World Wars, and now, as the world's policing power). But, all empires must fall, and I can see the American empire falling as a result of our unwillingness to change/adapt with the world. As China comes to power and competes with other nations for business, food, and other commodities, what will happen? With 1.3 billion people, the country has the numbers to change the world, both physically and linguistically. Our failure to adapt to the changing business climate makes it less and less desirable for other countries to do business with us. We need to learn how to communicate culturally speaking, not necessarily linguistically. This is especially true with Asian languages, where suffixes. special words, names, and gestures are used to show respect. Japan, China, the Koreas, and other Asian countries might be offended by the American business people who aren't culturally aware, and therefore, may not trade/do business with them.