Author Archives: Dr. L. Yoder

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About Dr. L. Yoder

Dr. Yoder is Senior Lecturer in the Arts & Sciences Writing Program at Boston University, teaching writing seminars on topics such as globalization and graphic memoirs.

Leonard: Technology & Linguistic Diversity

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Image Source: UNESCO

Last year (2019) was the International Year of Indigenous Languages:

“In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, based on a recommendation by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. At the time, the Forum said that 40 per cent of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken around the world were in danger of disappearing.  The fact that most of these are indigenous languages puts the cultures and knowledge systems to which they belong at risk. 

In addition, indigenous peoples are often isolated both politically and socially in the countries they live in, by the geographical location of their communities, their separate histories, cultures, languages and traditions. And yet, they are not only leaders in protecting the environment, but their languages represent complex systems of knowledge and communication and should be recognized as a strategic national resource for development, peace building and reconciliation. 

They also foster and promote unique local cultures, customs and values which have endured for thousands of years. Indigenous languages add to the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be a poorer place.” (SOURCE)

In his essay “Death by Monoculture,” Stephen Pax Leonard stresses the threats facing minority languages and cultures around the world as a result of consumerism and globalization. Leonard focuses specifically on the dual role played by technology: on the one hand, certain forms of technology are contributing to the disappearance of minority languages; on the other hand, he suggests that the Internet and digital media have the potential to preserve linguistic diversity.

I would like you to explore the official website for the International Year of Indigenous Languages HERE and scroll through the variety of infographics HERE to learn more about this initiative. 

Then, I would like you to watch the 7-minute-long video below, which comes from a documentary series called “Language Matters,” produced by PBS (the Public Broadcasting System):

“Language Matters.” PBS

Once you have watched the video above, respond to the following questions in the “Leave a Reply” box at the end of this post before class time on Thursday, 3/5: 

Both Leonard and the video above discuss technology’s impact on linguistic diversity. What role do you believe technology plays in the extinction and/or preservation of minority languages and cultures? And, overall, do you feel that you have a duty as a global citizen to fight to protect minority/indigenous languages? If so, why, and how will you do this? If not, why not?

*Note: Refer to the “Blog Response Guidelines” posted on BB > Assignments > Glob. HW Assignments.

Traves and Linguistic Imperialism

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In Julie Traves’s essay “The Church of Please and Thank You,” she stresses the connection between language and culture and insists that students of English as a foreign language (EFL) are absorbing Western values as they learn English, comparing EFL teachers to Christian missionaries who attempt to convert others to their value system. Traves uses the term “linguistic imperialism” (174:7) to emphasize the colonizing power of English, and she advocates for a new way of teaching English so that it can become a bridge between cultures rather than a dominant force (178:25).

For this blog response, I would like you to write a coherent paragraph-length response (at least 125 words) in which you thoughtfully respond to the following questions: Do you agree with Traves that “English has irrevocably changed and acculturated the world already” through linguistic imperialism (179:30)? Do you view English as a culturally colonizing force that is invading and absorbing other cultures, including your own native culture? Why or why not?

Follow the “Blog Response Guidelines” posted on BB > Assignments > Glob. HW Assignments and post your response in the “Leave a Reply” section below before class time on Thursday, 2/6.

Welcome to our class blog!

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Hello, WR112 O1 students!

This semester, we will be using this course blog to expand our in-class discussions about the readings and to consider multiple perspectives on globalization through various media. Whenever you see words that are bolded and in a different color (<-like that!), it means that you can click on those words to link over to a related online resource, such as an online article, video, song, infographic, etc. Go ahead and click the bolded/linked words above to see where they lead you!

This blog will also provide us with unique opportunities to acknowledge and respond to one another’s points of view using the helpful templates from They Say / I Say (e.g., I agree with your point that ____, but I disagree with your view on ____ because ____). This will be a practical and logical supplement to our in-class discussions, and it will allow you the chance to engage with your classmates in meaningful ways outside of the classroom.

When I assign you a blog response, I intend for you to offer a thoughtful reply to whatever topic and/or question I raise in my post, so that you are entering into the conversation and sharing your own point of view. Please refer to the “Blog Response Guidelines” handout posted to Blackboard > Assignments > Globalization HW Assignments for specific guidelines and evaluation criteria for your blog responses, and do not hesitate to get in touch with me in class or via email if you have any questions.

I look forward to learning more about your perspectives on the important themes and issues raised in our readings!

Sincerely,

Dr. Yoder