Some people say it is necessary to create a new language that improves international communication. Do you think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
弊大于利
Possibly because of some pushback against English and other dominant languages, some sectors suggest a new language should be created for international communication. While it may seem good to some, I think the negatives outweigh any positives.
One advantage of a new international language is its potential simplicity. Existing languages have complex grammar, irregular verbs, and large vocabularies that challenge non-native speakers. A new one could streamline these, like having regular verb tenses. This would lower the learning curve, enabling more people to gain proficiency for smoother cross-border interactions.
Moreover, a new language not tied to any particular culture could be seen as "neutral". This neutrality would make it more appealing globally, addressing the concerns of those who resist the cultural influence that often comes with learning dominant languages. Although this may seem like a good idea, one issue is that this new language will be challenging to create and implement. Like fictional languages made for storybooks and movies, someone has to develop unique vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation, which may take years. The languages of today have taken centuries to evolve, so it seems far-fetched to expect a new language within a year or two.
After that, people worldwide must master speaking, reading, and writing with it, taking up even more time. The next issue would be whether the language is truly neutral. While many languages around the world are similar, many more are very, very different. Since the authors of the new language have to start somewhere, there will be a bias if they follow the French system, for example, rather than Japanese or Arabic. In the end, even if the language is considered “new”, many will still point out that it follows an existing pattern of certain modern languages, negating the so-called gain of having a “new language for all”.
To conclude, the idea of creating a new language is only good on paper. In reality, it is a waste of time and should not be pursued.