Newsgroups: sci.lang
From: andre@shappski.demon.co.uk (Andre Shapps)
Path: cantaloupe.srv.cs.cmu.edu!das-news2.harvard.edu!news2.near.net!news.mathworks.com!newshost.marcam.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!pipex!bt!btnet!peernews.demon.co.uk!shappski.demon.co.uk!andre
Subject: Re: Esperanto (was: Languages in the EC)
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Date: Tue, 28 Feb 1995 14:19:07 +0000
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In article: <D4oL74.MBH@spss.com>  markrose@spss.com (Mark Rosenfelder) writes:
> However, this is somewhat beside the point.  I don't claim that English
> "functions well as an international language", although others have made this 
> claim.  It functions OK; but a combination of languages functions better.
> If the EU had to choose a single working language, German seems to me to
> be the best candidate; if it had to choose several, add French and English.

I'd have to say that English does function well as an international language, not 
because it is uniquely suited to the task, it's quite clearly no more suited than 
many other languages, but because there are very few areas in the world that are 
not subjected to it constantly in the form of music and films, particularly the 
former.

Kids in the most remote parts of the world, even under restrictive regimes grow 
up knowing the words to Michael Jackson songs. Even if they have no idea what 
they mean it gives them a start, not to mention an interest, which I believe is 
the most essential and powerful ingredient in the learning process.

I've found that learning songs is a really good way to learn foreign languages 
btw. Can't wait for the first Esperanto top 10 crossover.
-- 
Andre Shapps

