多语化与文化的多样性——在接受南京大学名誉博士学位仪式上的演讲

Multilingualism and Multiplicity of Culture

世界化并不仅仅局限于商贸往来或信息交流方式的全球化。今天的世界,每两个星期就会有一种语言从世界上消失,随之,与之相关的传统、创造、思想、历史和文化也都不复存在。但并不应该将这种现象视为必然,不应该认定世界化必然会导致语言与文化多样性的消亡,不应该屈从于惟一一种语言的霸权。如果所有的国家都说同一种语言,按照同样的方式思维和行动的话,那么国际范围内极有形成一种极权制度的危险。总之,语言的多样化是促进一种真正的和平文化的途径。

Internationalization is not simply limited to the globalization of business, trade and information exchanges. In today s world, every two weeks will see the extinction of one language together with the related traditions, creations, thought, history and culture. However, this phenomenon should not be taken for granted and internationalization should not be regarded as entailing the disappearance of the multiplicity of language and culture. Nobody should yield to the supremacy of one and only language. If all countries spoke the same language and followed the same pattern of thinking and behaving, then there would most likely be the danger of the emergence of a very centralized system in the world. In brief, the multiplicity of language is a means that promotes a true culture of peace.