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Publikationen » Mehrsprachigkeitsforschung » „The fact that there are different languages is the most sinister fact in the world.“ (Elias Canetti) How to deal with the „language of the other“?
Werner Wintersteiner
„The fact that there are different languages is the most sinister fact in the world.“ (Elias Canetti) How to deal with the „language of the other“?
This paper starts from the question of the implications of multilingualism and globalization for teaching and learning foreign languages. Werner Wintersteiner reflects on multilingualism from various perspectives – philosophy of language, language policy, peace education and foreign language teaching – and goes back to the question of the consequences of the very existence of a variety of languages. He looks at the close connection between language and identity, and between language and power. He then goes on – with reference to, among others, Jacques Derrida, George Steiner and Emmanuel Levinas – to show how the monolingual habit is not only closely connected with the history of nationalism but is also an expression of fear of the 'other'. The fact is that multilingualism is globally speaking the norm and monolingualism a deviation from it. Recognizing this and seeing the Babylonian range and diversity of languages as an asset and an opportunity is the basis for peaceful coexistence and successful communication. Wintersteiner concludes with some remarks on foreign language learning and teaching. Those who learn other languages acquire other gateways to the world, as well as opening up new perspectives on themselves. Learning other languages is also a form of engagement with the other – with the other as an essential part and pre-condition of one’s own identity. The central thesis of this paper can be expressed in the notion that Babel is not a curse but a blessing.
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