English is a Lingua Franca
Every language is important and, in its own way, special. However, not every language has a chance to become a lingua franca or a universal language. Konstantin Andreev from the Dalarna University says that there are certain conditions that must exist for a particular language to become a dominant language. To put it short, Andreev quoted a statement of Yiddish linguist Weinreich, who said that "a language is a dialect with an army and navy." Therefore, a language must have economic and political support. In addition to that, it must have a cultural appeal as well. As French in the 18th century was a language of enlightenment due to its cultural prestige, English language in the 20th century was promoted by the Beatles and Hollywood
(Universal language, part 2). |
Music is a Lingua Franca
For centuries, music has been with us as an additional tool to express our feelings – love, grief, hope, and anger, as well as to entertain ourselves and to boost global consumerism. We all acknowledge that music is indispensable in our daily lives. What we do not notice is that music shapes our culture gradually and inconspicuously. Do any of us pay attention to what songs we listen to and why, most importantly? If we did, we would notice that over time, our music changes with our lifestyles and the influence of the certain countries globally. Living in an English-speaking country, we do not ponder over the fact that songs are written in English and for the English-speaking audience. We take it matter-of-factly. However, the music we listen today proves to be an extension of power of the Anglo-American culture in the world.
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Credits:
Top Image: http://www.countrymusiclover.info/music-an-international-language/
Picture 1: http://www.wired.com/business/2010/02/googles-real-time-voice-translator-could-make-any-language-lingua-franca/
Picture 2: http://www.whizzpast.com/cover-story-11-fascinating-facts-about-the-beatles-abbey-road-album-cover/
Top Image: http://www.countrymusiclover.info/music-an-international-language/
Picture 1: http://www.wired.com/business/2010/02/googles-real-time-voice-translator-could-make-any-language-lingua-franca/
Picture 2: http://www.whizzpast.com/cover-story-11-fascinating-facts-about-the-beatles-abbey-road-album-cover/