The necessity of an international language has become increasingly apparent in
recent times. However, for a language to be widely accepted as such, it must
possess certain qualities. This essay aims to highlight some of the most
important ones.
Firstly, a language must have a simple, easy-to-learn writing system. The Roman
script, used by most European languages, is a good example, as it has a
relatively small number of letters. However, even the Roman script has
limitations in expressing certain sounds, which is why some experts like Bernard
Shaw proposed a 40-letter language. Therefore, an international language should
have a small number of simple scripts and be capable of expressing all sounds
effectively.
Secondly, an international language must have a rich vocabulary. There are many
highly developed languages in the world with rich and beautiful vocabularies,
and some of these words should be included in the international language. These
words should be widely understood and accepted in international contexts, such
as newspapers, conferences, and international meetings.
Thirdly, an international language must have good idioms and expressions. These
are what make a language lively and effective, and they should be absorbed into
the international language to ensure it is well understood in suitable form.
Since international meetings bring together people from diverse cultures, the
idioms must be acceptable to all and only used for international purposes. The
language should be capable of being spoken and written by many, not too
difficult to understand or too simple to be forgotten.
The grammar of an international language must not be complex and cumbersome.
Each language has its own rules of grammar, some of which may not be immediately
logical. For example, in English, the verb conjugation for read' is I read, you
read, he reads'. This can be confusing for English learners. Similarly, other
languages also have their own quirks. Hence, the international language must
have a simple grammar.
Finally, the international language should be accessible to both elites and the
general public. If it is only used in august assemblies, it is likely to become
a dead language, like Sanskrit. To attain an international status, it must be
used at all levels, including in world bodies, to eliminate the need for
translation.
The evolution of an international language will take time, but the efforts will
be worthwhile. Reputable newspapers can publish editions in the international
language, and great books from around the world can be translated into it. The
creation of an international language is a gradual process and not something
that can be created overnight. But with patience and persistence, it may one day
become a reality.
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