Language can bring together people from different backgrounds — cultural, social, economic, religious and professional. Linguistic diversity is key to development. However, over 50 %
of some 6,700 languages that are spoken nowadays are in danger
of disappearing. Just like ecosystems, languages carry knowledge
about geography, zoology, mathematics, astronomy, botany. Languages also carry cultures. Cherokee, for example, has no word
for goodbye, only “I will see you again”. One word — oo-kah-huhsdee — means the pleasure when you see a baby or a kitten. There
are Cherokee words for every last berry and plant in the region.
When we talk about languages, English is often the centre of our
attention. As it becomes the main language of communication
between nations, it is important to study changes in its structure
and use. Geography influences the language — both within the
country and between different countries. There are, in fact, many
“Englishes”. For example, “Scottish” English is different from “London” English. Among the international types of English are American, Australian, and Indian.
Each language has its beauty and power. It does not really matter what we are — doctors, journalists, politicians or just people at home trying to understand and be understood. The more
we know about the language, the more chances for success we shall
have in our lives.
Questions:
1. What roles of languages are stressed in the text?
2. How many languages are there in the world?
3. Why does the author claim that there are many Englishes, not
one?
4. Why is it important to know your mother tongue well?
ответы на вопросы к тексту