Sir, – I would take issue with John Thompson’s suggestion (August 13th) that the existence of multiple languages is intrinsically harmful. I cannot speak a second language fluently, so I’m not a linguistic enthusiast myself. Thompson gives no evidence that linguistic diversity is intrinsically harmful to peace and happiness. After all, Switzerland, with four official languages, is one of the most peaceful and prosperous societies that ever existed. In contrast, monolingual America has among the highest levels of income inequality and violence in the developed world. It could be argued that linguistic diversity is a force for happiness and peace. When you take that into account, along with all the proven personal benefits of multilingualism, it’s hard to see on what basis Thompson assumes such diversity is a bad thing. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS M CREAMER,
Aushnasheelin,
Ballinamore,
Co Leitrim
A Chara, – It is difficult to afford any credence to the assertion that a world with fewer languages would be a more peaceful one. Correct me if I’m wrong, but were not the participants on both sides of the American Civil War, one of the bloodiest on record, for the most part English-speakers? Some of the latest thinking values linguistic diversity as highly as biodiversity. Certain concepts, thoughts and meanings embedded in one language are often difficult to translate or transpose into another. Maintaining this diversity is believed to contribute to enriching human thought and imagination. A language lost entails an entire culture and ways of imagining the world lost. If anything, a greater tolerance and respect for the diverse languages and cultures of this world would help us all lead a more peaceful existence. Yours, etc,
ROB MAC GIOLLARNÁTH,
Simonsridge,
Sandyford,
Dublin 18