6 ms·

I have to assume that you can communicate fluently in a non-Germanic language, and that you already know that you can't change the way you think about concepts

by Aldo_MX 13y ago

I have to assume that you can communicate fluently in a non-Germanic language, and that you already know that you can't change the way you think about concepts in a way that doesn't resemble your native language. Otherwise: Con esa forma tan cerrada de pensar, por favor absténgase de opinar.

cliveowen 13y ago
Yes, read my other responses, I'm tired of repeating myself. Also, the only narrow minded here is the one who advocates for a fragmented world and the resulting slow flowing of information.
- dwaltrip 13y ago
  The only thing these nice commentators are advocating for is not blasting the character of others not conforming to your worldview. You are allowed to have an opinion, but the way you judge the choices of other people is rather unproductive.
  - cliveowen 13y ago
    All I see here are people going against me without offering a real reason as to why a fragmented world, the status quo, should be promoted.
    - dwaltrip 13y ago
      It is one thing to point out the benefits of certain ideas that differ from the status quo, but being dogmatic and rude will gain you no points.
      - cliveowen 13y ago
        Again, no counterargument. You're only proving me right.
        mcphilip 13y ago
        Since you seem intent on furthering this conversation, here's an honest suggestion for you if you want to truly think about what you are arguing. Extensive academic thought already exists related to the argument you are trying to make -- in short, that it is worth restricting diversity in order to normalize cultures across the globe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcolonialism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcolonialism Postcolonialism, and especially postmodernism, are very complex concepts that require a great deal of study to grasp, but it may be worth your while if you want a serious challenge to your argument.
        cmccabe 13y ago
        Is anyone here arguing in favor of colonialism? This is equivalent to comparing people who disagree with you to Hitler. Thanks for your "extensive academic thought," which I note you did not even bother to summarize here. I think this thread is over. P.S. While I do think some of the statements made by cliveowen were insensitive, I also think that teaching people English (or another world language) in addition to their native tounges would help break down barriers between people, and lead to a better world overall.
        dwaltrip 13y ago
        Ok fine, you've drawn me in. The main counter argument is that you simply have no right dictate how others communicate, despite your declarations of improved efficiency and increased idea proliferation. I think people who spend tons of money on clothes and other trappings are wasting resources and contributing to unhealthy societal development, yet I do not go around demonizing these people. I kindly share my view to receptive listeners, while also attempting to recognize my own biases and inability to perfectly understand this massively complex world. Do you also go around proselytizing SUV owners for their massive waste of gasoline? Why not? Lastly, it would be impossible to quantify this, but I wonder how much cultural richness, diversity of thinking, etc we would be losing if all of the sudden everyone was forced to only use English? My bet is that it would not be a trivial loss. Anyways, I wouldn't be surprised if translation technologies make this discussion completely moot in the next couple decades.
    - NhanH 13y ago
      You do realize the ironic of your claim that English is currently the most prevalent language is also the status quo, right? If the Earth is to used a single language, why would that be English (besides the status quo, which you obviously dislike)?

by Aldo_MX 13y ago

cliveowen 13y ago

Yes, read my other responses, I'm tired of repeating myself. Also, the only narrow minded here is the one who advocates for a fragmented world and the resulting slow flowing of information.

dwaltrip 13y ago
The only thing these nice commentators are advocating for is not blasting the character of others not conforming to your worldview. You are allowed to have an opinion, but the way you judge the choices of other people is rather unproductive.
- cliveowen 13y ago
  All I see here are people going against me without offering a real reason as to why a fragmented world, the status quo, should be promoted.
  - dwaltrip 13y ago
    It is one thing to point out the benefits of certain ideas that differ from the status quo, but being dogmatic and rude will gain you no points.
    - cliveowen 13y ago
      Again, no counterargument. You're only proving me right.
      - mcphilip 13y ago
        Since you seem intent on furthering this conversation, here's an honest suggestion for you if you want to truly think about what you are arguing. Extensive academic thought already exists related to the argument you are trying to make -- in short, that it is worth restricting diversity in order to normalize cultures across the globe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcolonialism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcolonialism Postcolonialism, and especially postmodernism, are very complex concepts that require a great deal of study to grasp, but it may be worth your while if you want a serious challenge to your argument.
        cmccabe 13y ago
        Is anyone here arguing in favor of colonialism? This is equivalent to comparing people who disagree with you to Hitler. Thanks for your "extensive academic thought," which I note you did not even bother to summarize here. I think this thread is over. P.S. While I do think some of the statements made by cliveowen were insensitive, I also think that teaching people English (or another world language) in addition to their native tounges would help break down barriers between people, and lead to a better world overall.
      - dwaltrip 13y ago
        Ok fine, you've drawn me in. The main counter argument is that you simply have no right dictate how others communicate, despite your declarations of improved efficiency and increased idea proliferation. I think people who spend tons of money on clothes and other trappings are wasting resources and contributing to unhealthy societal development, yet I do not go around demonizing these people. I kindly share my view to receptive listeners, while also attempting to recognize my own biases and inability to perfectly understand this massively complex world. Do you also go around proselytizing SUV owners for their massive waste of gasoline? Why not? Lastly, it would be impossible to quantify this, but I wonder how much cultural richness, diversity of thinking, etc we would be losing if all of the sudden everyone was forced to only use English? My bet is that it would not be a trivial loss. Anyways, I wouldn't be surprised if translation technologies make this discussion completely moot in the next couple decades.
  - NhanH 13y ago
    You do realize the ironic of your claim that English is currently the most prevalent language is also the status quo, right? If the Earth is to used a single language, why would that be English (besides the status quo, which you obviously dislike)?