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From: smryan@netcom.com (@#$%!?!)
Subject: Re: Single European Language
Message-ID: <smryanDA1t7t.3wr@netcom.com>
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Date: Mon, 12 Jun 1995 07:09:29 GMT
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(drivel deleted)

Consider that there is _no_ physiological reason why european do not
have a common language. It is generally assumed a healthy child can
learn any natural language and all the major languages in europe were
there when today's adults grew up. Every european language is 
sufficient or translations would not be possible.

There is no common language because european don't want one. Yes, some
do, but the majority do not. If they did, it would be. And if they
don't--how would you force them? Even dictators have trouble suppressing
minority languages.

For example consider how the Quebecois use french to establish and
maintain their social identity.

For another example, consider what you're reading at this very moment.
Almost all international messages on the internet are in english even
though there is no requirement for that.


Language ability is biological. Language usage is cultural. 



--------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) If esperanto is culturally neutral, it is only because it not
yet linked to any culture. The moment it is, it will develop all 
the usual conotations and idioms and local usage tied to local
cultures.

(2) While an invented language might be very regular the day it is
created, what about ten years or hundred years later. People make
mistakes, some of which become embedded. Verbal shortcuts are
invented. Humans don't need extremely regular languages and
wouldn't know what to do with one if it existed.

(3) Even if you magically made everyone speak the same language
tomorrow morn, by next week you'll have divergences. Each locality
will continue to diverge to incomprehensibilty without some 
compelling reason. 

-- 
The Brothers of the brooding Dark,         | smryan@netcom.com  PO Box 1563
the Fathers of the fighters stark,         |          Cupertino, California
that left their might, the Lake and Height,| (xxx)xxx-xxxx            95015
and met the Mother moist and dark.         |              intolerance kills
