Like a kind of American

Abstract

The language used, and proficiency in it, afford a distinct advantage in global communication. Furthermore, the form and content of that communication ensure domination of the mind in the perception of reality. On the other hand, language deficiency and the digital divide, cause exclusion from significant input into communication flows and from significant influence in the determination of major global issues of the present day - a power reality. While there may be national language and cultural imperatives pulling the other way, there is no alternative to being equipped for the modern world. There is an element of damned if you do and damned if you don't, but the political and intellectual leaders in communication deficient countries will have to find a way of equipping their countries in international discourse and relations without disenfranchising their identities. A retreat into the shell, based on language, race or religion, has been found to be counter-productive and damaging. However, there is equally the grave danger of cultural and national loss of identity in a world of globalised communication, which has been already always threatened by the other, and more traditional realities in the distribution of international power.