Language is more than just a set of grammar rules or vocabulary. It influences worldview and frame of mind. Nevertheless, as the world has witnessed the trend toward globalization and the assimilation of cultures, there have been significant shifts in language development, some of which have been inclined to the establishment of global languages. For this reason, it is paramount to decide whether the way people think, caused by the peculiarities of their mother tongues, influences the ability to communicate globally.
Language is a cultural phenomenon that influences the way people see the world. That is why it has a robust impact on communication. For example, Boroditsky assumes that perceptions of time, space, progression, colors, and objects from the foundation of both communication and thinking. Because people use different linguistic constructions to describe the same things and situations, these differences affect our ability to communicate with those who speak other languages.
These cross-linguistic variances prompt different language speakers to stress different aspects of the same phenomena, leading to communication gaps and difficulties in learning new languages as speakers use mother-tongue patterns to express opinions in other languages.
Nevertheless, there is a solution to this problem of ineffective communication. According to Boroditsky, mastering the most significant grammar quirks and cultural aspects of language enhances one’s ability to communicate and to learn new languages. These whims usually include gender constructions or verbal interference tasks. This statement comes down to the recognition of cross-linguistic differences and the realization that they affect worldview. When a language learner can grasp these important concepts, it becomes easier to understand those speaking other languages, thus improving linguistic and interpersonal communication skills.
Still, even though linguistic differences are the power of language, they also cause some challenges. One major problem is the current-day language imperialism, meaning the promotion of the English language as the global one, accompanied by the propagation of British or American culture. Traves claims that today, the world is witnessing the emergence of a new “global” English language that incorporates the linguistic differences of numerous languages and enhances the process of partial assimilation.
Although it is powerful, the cultural side of communication could remain unchanged, as individuality is encouraged instead of taking steps to eliminate it. The fact that people around the world are creating a new global culture in which everyone is free to choose the scope of linguistic change and involvement alters global worldview and communication.
In the end, there is no need to fear that the English language will turn into a global one because this process is irreversible. Instead, emphasis should be made on self-identification and partial assimilation, which would undermine the power of language and prevent the undesirable elimination of cultural individuality while still improving communication. The central idea is to master cultural specificities and grow culturally sensitive but preserve originality.