| Background:
When people use the
term, globalization, they could be using it to describe economic,
political, environmental, or scientific issues, as well as describing the
interchange of culture around the world.
Globalization is
defined in the Webster dictionary as "to extend to other or all
parts of the globe; make worldwide"
Language loss is
currently happening extremely fast around the world. People around the
world are learning and using English as it is becoming a dominant language
for many aspects of modern communication. Email, faxes, the internet, air
travel, cell phones, and camcorders are here to stay, keeping us connected
with friends and family all around the world. Perhaps it seems to be so
simple and effortless, we rarely find the time to think about the magic
that is happening because of increased communication.
Culture and ways of
life, not to mention languages, are being shared; as a result, we are
growing to understand and appreciate the cultural diversity of our world.
The other side of the story is that because of our increased communication
abilities the world is becoming smaller. Cultures and languages are
blending together, or are simply disapering. The challenge is how to live
in a global community while attempting to strengthen and preserve the many
cultures found inside of it.
McDonald's
Corporation would be an example of economic globalization. McDonalds
originated in the United Stated in 1955 when Ray Kroc opened his first
restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. Today, McDonald's has more than
25,000 outlets in 119 countries...a new restaurant opens somewhere in the
world every 17 hours!!! According to their corporate website, "Good
Times, Great Taste Is Understandable In Any Language".
The
European Union (EU or EC) is another example
of emerging political globalization. EU is
treaty-based, political entity that manages
economic and political corporation among it's
15+ member countries. The EU was formed
"in order to promote social and economic
progress throughout the continent of
Europe". A new currency, the Euro, was
just introduced. By 2002, most other national
member currencies will be phased out. The EU
has established its own flag, and its own day,
Europe Day (May 9th).
How
is globalization affecting you and your
country?
|
