It's common that much academic research is originated in academic environments in which English is not necessarily the language generally spoken, situation that it may occur, for instance, in many non-English speaking countries.
Between the advantages in using the local language for research is that it permits their access (reading, comments, feedback, etc.) by local experts in their own idiom, which would be difficult if the paper had been published only in English, and additionally, if many local experts are not comfortable handling foreign languages.
On the other hand, the benefit of publishing research in English is that it allow their access to broader international research communities who might provide valuable insights to be considered for future research.
Interesting, dear Luis. Thank you for your most opportune question.
Throughout the 17th and 18th century, until the 19th century, the universal scientific language for communication was Latin.
A difficult language understood by few, spoken by none, and in straight connection with the Catholic religion and texts. I still own a few original text books in Latin, from which I read very slowly and with tremendous difficulty.
With the advent of International Conferences, open to all Nationalities, we need an easier Language to learn, both in the written, as in the oral form, to permit wider global communication.
English suits better.
Interesting, dear Luis. Thank you for your most opportune question.
Throughout the 17th and 18th century, until the 19th century, the universal scientific language for communication was Latin.
A difficult language understood by few, spoken by none, and in straight connection with the Catholic religion and texts. I still own a few original text books in Latin, from which I read very slowly and with tremendous difficulty.
With the advent of International Conferences, open to all Nationalities, we need an easier Language to learn, both in the written, as in the oral form, to permit wider global communication.
English suits better.
Luis,
Your observations are correct concerning required local communication and broader access. The local language is essential for working locally, yet, a universal language is essential for science and commerce in today's international society.
Why should English be that universal language? Is there another language that is more easily learned universally? As Maria implied, Latin was hard for everybody so one could say that made it equal for all speakers.
The answer might be to teach the first few years in the local language, then transition to English until it is English only in the final years (for selective fields requiring a universal language). Speakers who are fluent in English and their native language should have no problem doing research locally.
The major problem with English as a universal language is it has not been standardized as some languages have. This might be the place to start. Develop an international Standard English that is phonetic, has a particular grammar, and conforms to one linguistic style. Native English speakers would still have an advantage, but they would have to learn and communicate in Standard English.
There is a good point to publish in English. The world can see your work without translations. However, this is a very limitted contribution to a nation if it is a non English speaking community. So, it is good to leave some material in the native language, otherwise not only the scientific papers, but the language for communication inside the universities worldwide will have be English too.
Vilemar
It would be tragic not to teach in the native language at any level and not to publish in the native language.
Roland
I learned to read, write, speak, translate, and interpret Romanian in less than a year though an intensive training program. I learned several other languages by living in the countries. The only language I have retained, besides my native English, is German. I had the opportunity to use German on a daily basis since learning it. All I retained from the Romanian is the songs I learned.
Dear Roland ! Your anecdote is amazing !
In the beginning of the 20th century they tried to invent a better universal language, to be used for scientific exchange.
I have indeed tried to understand how to learn Esperanto, but it didn't work out. Fortunately they gave up on that idea... the strange language was too artificial to be learnt or used easily...
http://www.esperanto.net
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanto
May be we are used to the universal language English and many times our own mother tongue is given a second preference in academic writing!
For example, here in India, official and educational language is English. Although usage of Hindi is encouraged in official communication, NOT in educational usage.
The academicians or researchers finds it NOT very easy to create or write an academic text or article in Hindi. If the text contains technical terms, they are in for a surprise as most (if not all) doesn't know the hindi translation of the technical terms.
Yes, if we will write only in English,we will impoverish own language.
It may happen that we do not even have the necessary technical terms.
What about this path? Is it right?
Maria
I too tried Esperanto in a formal written short course. It was easily learned (as far as the course went) and easily forgotten. Esperanto failed because there was no impetus. It was not officially required for anything as is English for many endeavors.
Josef
There is no need to translate technical terms. English has adopted many non-English technical terms when there was an easy translation. Do not forget all those Greek and Latin terms.
As dear Rathish states in India English is the language that is used as a universal language. Here in India - it being a land of diversities - they say that language/dialect changes every fifty miles!
In such a situation English is used as a medium of instruction in the schools, colleges and universities. We end up speaking English more than our native language.
Normally people here are conversant with English, Hindi and the native language. We have a three language formula at the school level. English being the first, Hindi/native language the second and any foreign language/Sanskrit. Foreign languages generally preferred and taught are German and French.
Most of the research work is done in English and hence is widely disseminated
Regards
Vibha.
The position of English in some fields of science is even more stark. The vast majority of articles in computer science, for example, are published in English. The major journals in practically all disciplines are in English, from the general scientific journals to more specialist journals whatever field you are working in.
http://www.tribunes.com/tribune/art97/wooda
Dear RG colleagues, I found of great value your opinions and points of view about idiomatic issues. I agree that local language is essential to work locally as Joseph points out. Then, if your work results are satisfactory, then use English to communicate abroad.
Vibha
The 50 mile change for language/dialect is a world-wide phenomenon. Many non-European countries were linguistically unified by the language of the colonizer. European countries were linguistically unified by a standard language as each was politically unified. The world will be linguistically unified by the internet. It would be an advantage for that unification if we developed a standard language instead of letting an non standard English do the unification.
Dear RG colleagues!
This forum is also in English, and people from many countries successfully exchange their ideas. Some (who cannot write in English well) put their ideas in other languages, and very few understand them. They are lucky if somebody can translate into English. Can you imagine any other language today that would connect so many researchers from different fields together?
I believe that English is the language of modern research.
Regards,
Alam
Dear Colleague,
I think that the two situations are necessary for your reasons and those expressed by other researchers. The idea is to publish in local languages for compatriots (Maghreb for me) and English for the world.
Thanks for the question.
Dear Federico:
Working in Mesoamerican and colonial Mexican studies, I find that Castilian (also known as Spanish) is the lingua franca, since all specialists in these fields necessarily read and understand this language. It is good to publish in English from time to time, to reach a wider circle of readers and discuss issues with specialists in other areas. Thus, in fields like this, a multilingual approach to publishing is probably the most effective strategy to follow.
Saludos desde Guanajuato,
David
I agree with colleagues that publishing in English is still the best form of interaction in scientific research.
The reply from the colleague Malika was very timely and realistic.
Kind regards.
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