Christ Ramirez
Essay
Essay
In the
articles “From English to Chinglish , and” How English Is Evolving Into a
Language We Way not Know”, the idea that English is finding itself being placed
into many languages, but the end result of what is being said is making a
mockery of languages. The author states
that English is considered a neutral language for many countries not to have to
choose one dialect over another, and there is almost this fear that the
language itself, in essence, be lost.
One thing I noticed was the phrase used in both Articles that read, “Deformed man laboratory” was that the translation was literal. I connected that with the visual aspects used in language that is quite common in ASL. Although the words don’t make sense and seem almost insulting the picture is being painted in reference to the general space and who its intended for in a visual way. This structure is the same in signing. Where if like the other sentence used “if you’re stolen, call the police” was used in ASL, it would be deemed acceptable. The reason for this is because one sign can mean the same thing but English is what changes the word used. So the sign for stolen would be the same one used as kidnapped, as thief, and as robbed. So you would actually sign “If man you he steal, police (you)call (you).” Either way is acceptable. You’re literally painting the picture of what is happening with words. Because of that idea, I kind of related to this article in a different way than perhaps others did, thinking to myself…ok, so what’s the big deal? I feel like English literally butts its way into every language, and forces other languages to conform to its structure. Why does everything have to make sense according this particular language’s standards?
I feel like this is one of the main reasons that so many languages are being lost. It seems like no matter where you go, somehow or another, you’re seemingly forced to speak or know or at the very least entertain some form of English. Even here in the US, with Native Americans that resided here far before us, places that are still inhabited by the real “owners” of that land are prevented from preserving their indigenous language. Children are taught to speak English and this is a primary reason that language becomes lost. People are starting to see this and fighting for the right to keep their mother tongue alive, and I respect that. In Deaf culture, when a person signs in English, a Deaf person will most likely respond and understand what is being signed, but you don’t get the same “respect” for your ability to sign because you’re merely signing English, you’re not speaking the language of ASL, which has its own rules of grammar, structure and facial and body language.
I understand within the words of these articles that they are trying to alter language so it makes sense when translated into English. I’m just saying, who died and decided to make English the boss?
One thing I noticed was the phrase used in both Articles that read, “Deformed man laboratory” was that the translation was literal. I connected that with the visual aspects used in language that is quite common in ASL. Although the words don’t make sense and seem almost insulting the picture is being painted in reference to the general space and who its intended for in a visual way. This structure is the same in signing. Where if like the other sentence used “if you’re stolen, call the police” was used in ASL, it would be deemed acceptable. The reason for this is because one sign can mean the same thing but English is what changes the word used. So the sign for stolen would be the same one used as kidnapped, as thief, and as robbed. So you would actually sign “If man you he steal, police (you)call (you).” Either way is acceptable. You’re literally painting the picture of what is happening with words. Because of that idea, I kind of related to this article in a different way than perhaps others did, thinking to myself…ok, so what’s the big deal? I feel like English literally butts its way into every language, and forces other languages to conform to its structure. Why does everything have to make sense according this particular language’s standards?
I feel like this is one of the main reasons that so many languages are being lost. It seems like no matter where you go, somehow or another, you’re seemingly forced to speak or know or at the very least entertain some form of English. Even here in the US, with Native Americans that resided here far before us, places that are still inhabited by the real “owners” of that land are prevented from preserving their indigenous language. Children are taught to speak English and this is a primary reason that language becomes lost. People are starting to see this and fighting for the right to keep their mother tongue alive, and I respect that. In Deaf culture, when a person signs in English, a Deaf person will most likely respond and understand what is being signed, but you don’t get the same “respect” for your ability to sign because you’re merely signing English, you’re not speaking the language of ASL, which has its own rules of grammar, structure and facial and body language.
I understand within the words of these articles that they are trying to alter language so it makes sense when translated into English. I’m just saying, who died and decided to make English the boss?
It seems to be a paradox that on one side, English is penetrating into every corner of the world and becoming a global language, while on the other side the language itself is facing loosing its original meaning by intergrating with various languages and cultures.
ReplyDeleteThe phenomenon may make Chinese - English translation even harder. As translators, when offering translation services, we are trying to avoid Chinglish translation, but sometimes we find its unavoidable.....Some of the Chinglish terms have become part of the English Language and now we have a new term Chinese English.
Here are my comments: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sGzYcVXXHvS29AOWXyTLOGFUs-ATRmI8rXIPL1LITUg/edit
ReplyDelete