Technology As Another Language?
by Langwitches ~ February 9th, 2008. Filed under: Technology, World Languages.
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Just the title of my blog is a give away that languages play an important part in my life. Growing up with German and Spanish and then living immersed in English for the past 20 years gives me a different perspective than a monolingual person.
I often wonder if a monolingual person feels “imprisoned” by their ability of only being able to speak within that one language? I feel differently when I am able to converse and express myself with people who understand the same words (in whatever language that might be) as I do. Each language lends itself more naturally to express certain ideas, feelings, facts. It leaves me unsatisfied, if I am only “allowed” to express myself within the boundaries of one language.
Here is the definition of the word “language” according to Wikipedia
A language is a system of visual, auditory, or tactile symbols of communication and the rules used to manipulate them. Language can also refer to the use of such systems as a general phenomenon. Though commonly used as a means of communication among people, human language is only one instance of this phenomenon.
I consider “technology” to be another language according to this definition.
Just as bilingual children are able to express themselves and switch effortlessly between two languages, I believe that our students need to grow up with a second (or third or fourth) language that is called “technology”. They should not have to feel “imprisoned” by not being able or allowed to express themselves in a different form.
The possibilities that open up, through 21st century learning skills, will allow us to see completely different patterns of studying, researching, connecting, creating and ultimately learning.
Language is the human form of communication and a way we make sense of the world around us and connect to others. Technology tools allow us to do just that. Through them we communicate and connect world wide. We understand different points of view and are able to express ourselves in a way that one language alone can only limit us. We are able to access resources that would otherwise be out of our reach. What an incredible opportunity.
Students have a natural ability to adapt and immerse themselves in another culture and language. The same is true of technology.
It is my job to expose students to an environment that these new tools of communication, collaboration and networking can offer. Literacy is not only learning how to read and write anymore, it is learning how to find and distinguish reliable resources to read, listen, and watch.
We need to rethink how we use media (Part of this “new language” that we use as a way how to express ourselves) in the classroom. Media is NOT just reading text on a piece of paper or in a book. We need to allow students to create and interact with media that come in many different forms.
That is the beauty of being multilingual!
Once you learn individual parts, such as vocabulary, sentence structure and speech melody you are off creating new sentences on your own. Sentences that are unique to you and that you never heard before.
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February 9th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Silvia … very good question. I think most monolingual people that speak “power” languages really don’t think about it at all, feeling imprisoned that is. Especially if their language is the no 1 dominant language of communication, technology, business, power, etc.,such as English. But, studies show that those that do speak another language are more flexible in their thinking, a skill much needed in todays interconnected world. I suggested to my older brother once that he should start language classes with his 2 young children a few years ago .. and I was quickly told, “English is the only language they need.” Case closed. So most people let other things get in the way of rounding out their and their children’s education.
I speak 2 languages and bits and pieces of others (critical stuff like “Where is the bathroom?” haha).
Things are changing for native English speakers … as China and India are moving up the power ladder … of course most people in India speak English since it was still a British colony until 1947 … but even so .. they just as China are strengthening their national native languages of Mandarin and Hindi. Time to wake up and smell the coffee. A second language should be mandatory in curriculum. Those young executive that speak both English and Spanish are doing to be more attractive for domestic jobs in the USA .. and those that speak other languages for international positions. And those that speak any two or more languages are going to be better thinkers all around (If I were hiring, I would definitely pay attention)
Frank
February 9th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
.. oh and as far as technology being considered another language .. maybe the terminology and such yes .. but how the sentences and structured and the parts of the brain used to deal with language structures and usage .. not as much. Any field of study could be considered “another language.”
But, that we use technology now for language acquisition and a variety of communication channels and methods, it certainly is important for language.
February 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Great post! I have often thought of music being another language, but hadn’t thought of technology. Now, I see that technology is just as much another language.
Thanks so much for your insights!
Danita
February 9th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Hi Silvia,
i think the idea you present here about technology as a language is what I am trying to do with my tech club.
We are exploring tools like Animoto, Voice Thread, etc. and trying to learn in what ways they can help us try to get what we want to say across. We have just started but are having much fun learning.
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