I read an interesting article today on the BBC News site: Could a new phonetic language promote world peace? A Syrian named George Jabbour is inventing a new language called SaypU. These letters stand for "spell as you pronounce universally". It is based on a simplified 24-letter alphabet that would allow people to easily read and pronounce all languages.
"If people pronounce and speak in the same way it makes people feel closer to one another. I do think the world with a single alphabet would be a more peaceful place." George Jabbour
In the article, the writer quotes an author who doesn't think a utopian language is the answer to communication barriers:
"Shared language can dupe us into thinking we share other things - values, beliefs, goals - when in many cases we don't." Henry Hitchings
Do you agree with Hitchings or Jabbour?
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Are you interested in learning more about SaypU?
" It contains 23 letters from the Roman alphabet as well as a back to front e. There is no place for "c", "q", or "x", which merely repeat sounds achievable by using other letters. The "ɘ" represents the sound 'schwa'." Tom de Castella
Replies
I disagree with Jabbour's theory. Mostly because there has been TONS of attemps of an universalized language that have not persisted. Even with English! That nowadays is the most used language.
Also, because I think being differents, having different cultures and languages and experiences is absolutely OK. Being different it's not the problem. not acepting the differences is.
Thanks for this discussion :) Really interesting topic.
:D MARY, but it would be funny nonsense! :P
Yes, sure.
:DDDDDDDDDDDDDD
What a cute thing!
Uhm yeah, the language has a lot to do with a culture, indeed. This is a very interesting topic.
But talkin' about the human being, you never know... We can have lot of things in common and still find differences to fight between us.
Btw, when I read: 'Roman alphabet' made me think about an alphabet made by our Roman... What a crazy nonsense thing would be XD
It's interesting project and research for those trying to develop it.. but I don't think it's that simple. Maybe they could reduce the count of alphabets, but to create a alphabet that could be used for all languages in the world. That's just not possible... there's about over 6800 languages in the world.
Instead of creating more peace, it may create more dislike and conflict, since people of different culture may feel like, this alphabet gives advantages for some other culture, being more similar.. or borrowing more from some other language than theirs... So they would likely not use it so eagerly. But if the majority would accept this new alphabet, and it became a standard, then those few who don't like it, would feel isolated and start hate the rest... Something like that, I think. :)
I wonder if it's possible one day only one language would exist in the world - we all share and say the language. The language could be one of the big languages we use now or a totally new one. But if English were easier to use!
Hi Tara,
I support Hitching's response. In a perfect world there would be no wars. This beautiful world is far from perfect and it will never be. I very much doubt that a single language would break down the other barriers that cause conflicts. Its not languages that cause conflict, its ideals, beliefs, and values etc.
In my view it would just make it easier for those that are intent on causing harm to communicate their intentions with one voice.
Thank you so much for the topic.
Shane