Title:
|
A UNIPOLAR CONCENTRATION OF ENGLISH AND THE MULTILINGUAL-SEMILINGUAL PARADOX |
Author(s):
|
Fusa Katada |
ISBN:
|
978-989-8533-93-7 |
Editors:
|
Demetrios G. Sampson, Dirk Ifenthaler, Pedro Isaías and Maria Lidia Mascia |
Year:
|
2019 |
Edition:
|
Single |
Keywords:
|
Multilingualism, Semilingualism, Language for Conceptual Thinking, Mother-tongue-based Education |
Type:
|
Full Paper |
First Page:
|
379 |
Last Page:
|
386 |
Language:
|
English |
Cover:
|
|
Full Contents:
|
click to dowload
|
Paper Abstract:
|
We have the right to talk and think in our own language. This self-evident slogan is ever challenged in the digital age of
the 21st century. Talking and thinking is most effectively trained and achieved by formal education carried out in ones
own language. However, multilingual children growing up in multilingual societies would have to adjust their own
language to a language of education in schooling. This paper clarifies scientific grounds that in such situations the main
root of learning and thinking through language is discontinuous. It is claimed that the students may face semilingualism,
defined as linguistic competence insufficiently developed for complex conceptual thinking. Multilingualism and
semilingualism are two sides of one coin, and semilingualism is affecting many parts of the world. This is due to the
established eminence of English as a global lingua franca (ELF), which serves as their language of education. This paper
is qualitative in nature, pointing out discrepancies between the politically empowered unipolar concentration of English
and cognitively suited languages for sustainable development of conceptual thinking. It is intended to serve as a reference
point for educators and professionals who are responsible for raising human resources in the digitalized global age. |
|
|
|
|