论语言领域的帝国主义对英语及其作用语之影响(英文)

 Abstract: This paper attempts to discuss language endangerment from the prospective of Linguistic Imperialism by meticulously selecting English, which endangered many other languages and at the same time was endangered by, as an example. The author puts forward that Linguistic Imperialism functioned significantly during language endangerment. As a result of this linkage, it is understandable that many language preservers have attempted to oppose imperialism in violent approach. This thesis develops a broad theoretical framework for the study of language endangerment and Linguistic Imperialism. By taking into consideration of language endangerment, this essay puts up with certain countermeasures against linguistic imperialism. The research is of great significance on balancing absorbing and retaining language essences during international communications.

    Key Words: Linguistic Imperialism; Endangerment; Revitalization

摘要：本文语言领域的帝国主义自不同话语社区交流初始即存在,并在当今世界中愈演愈烈。随着国与国之间、区与区之间交流日益频繁，语言相互影响日益扩大至最终侵入语言驾凌于本土语言之上，并导致本土语言出现危机甚至消亡。英语作为毋庸置疑的世界语，在两次世界大战中伴随着战争及殖民主义以及当前各英语国家的世界地位，以语言领域的帝国主义面貌侵入多国语言中。本文从语言领域中的帝国主义角度出发，探讨英语与由其影响而濒临灭绝的语言之间相互联系，此角度上的各类现象及背后驱使之因，旨在找到面对语言领域的帝国主义之冲击的应有态度和对策。在跨文化交际的今天，如何在交流、汲取对方语言文化精华的同时又保留本国传统语言文化的特色和精粹是一个不容忽视的课题。

关键词：语言领域的帝国主义；语言的消失；复苏

Introduction:
Many investigators have recently become increasingly interested in the critical circumstances of endangered languages and linguists have probed into the issue in light of Linguistic Imperialism. They have already touched upon the definition of Linguistic Imperialism, languages endangered by English and etc. Until now, few works have shown that, as a lingua franca, English was or is in danger as well. The aims of this paper are (1) to discuss language endangerment from the prospective of Linguistic Imperialism by meticulously selecting English, which endangered many other languages and at the same time was endangered by, as an example; (2) to search and find an appropriate approach among international communications, which shows eclectic and absorbing attitude in learning from others, meanwhile, adopts positive and patriotic perspective in retaining native languages. This thesis consists of four chapters, with both technical terms and examples to the point, to discuss Linguistic Imperialism manifested in language endangerment.

1. Definition of Linguistic Imperialism
Imperialism is sometimes used as a political term or a term in relation to an economic system. Here in Linguistics, imperialism explains certain phenomena in language endangerment. Before furthering any discussion, it is critical to grasp the reference and connotation of the Linguistic Imperialism and language endangerment. With the help of literary definition and vivid illustration, the author hopes to present with clear explanation, correct description and exemplification.
1.1 Definition for Linguistic Imperialism
Up till now, Robert Phillipson’s version of definition for linguistic imperialism enjoys high popularity among linguists and has been adopted as the most convincing one. The definition goes like this:

The dominance of English is asserted and maintained by the establishment and continuous reconstruction of structural and cultural inequalities between English and other languages. Here structural refers broadly to material properties (for example, institutions, financial allocations) and cultural to immaterial or ideological properties (for example, attitudes, pedagogic principles). [1]

The author notices the word “inequalities”. Does the definition in any sense imply that different language structures or cultures have elaborating or developed ranks? According to He Junfang in his works, cultures may differ in “developed” or “underdeveloped”, while language distinguishes merely in light of structures, but not in “developed” ranks or “aboriginality”. I totally agree. After all, how elaborate a language is matters minute, what really matters is that one language has whatever it needs to convey messages clearly and concisely. Therefore, if there is any inequalities it must be from culture and also, political power and economic situations, by taking imperialism into consideration. Moreover, such inequalities were created by English language promoter. They may attack other languages, discriminate other races, exploit other nations by exerting political or economic influences, and bury other cultures and legacies. Only to create and maintain such inequalities can English be at the position of imperialist, and can it endanger other languages.
1.2 Definition of Language Endangerment
To explore endangering and endangered English, what “endangerment” means should be made clear as well. Since no research has been found with literary definitions or technical terms, the author attempts to manifest endangerment with an example given by David Crystal in Vanishing Languages. 转贴于 酷文网-论文下载中心 http://www.coolwen.net