Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, granting individuals the liberty to express ideas, opinions, and beliefs without fear of censorship or repercussion. It is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community to articulate their ideas and opinions without the fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction.
However, a contradictory concept can become normalized when one’s inordinate love for their language leads them to believe it is superior to others, and that they can impose their language on others. This notion is commonly referred to as Linguistic Chauvinism, and it is something which undermines the cultural and historical significance of various subtopics. Chauvinism is devotion, for or against something, just based on what you feel. Linguistic Chauvinism is an immediate danger to freedom of speech and expression as it limits a specific gathering or community from communicating in their language, and forcefully imposes a foreign dialect on them. It occurs more frequently than you can imagine - the simplest example of this is when Japanese people use Japanese to talk as soon as they see someone who doesn't know the language.
Language serves as the cornerstone of human communication, facilitating the exchange of ideas, emotions, and information. It enables us to express our thoughts, convey complex concepts, and build connections with others. Language shapes our world understanding, influences our cultural identity, and fosters social cohesion. One part of your cultural identity is how you feel about your mother tongue.
"Mother tongue" refers to the first language learned from birth, typically representing cultural heritage and primary communication within a family or community, so naturally, if someone told people to not speak in their mother tongue, they would feel offended as being asked not to speak in the language they have been using since childhood in can cause feelings of disrespect or dismissive of one's cultural identity and heritage Despite this being outrageously impolite, many annexing powers have used this against the annexed territory's inhabitants. They did so in an attempt to erase their cultural heritage and identity and make them feel inferior. This not only helps the conquerors gain more control over the annexed territory- but also helps them make one feel bad about their cultural background. There are several examples of how the use of linguistic chauvinism helped the invaders gain more control, and vice versa; how the use of the same concept provoked people to use their mother tongue more, as a protest, against the annexing powers or rulers, in history. Some of them are listed below.
Franco-German War (1879):
When Germany invaded France, German was imposed as the primary language of administration and education. Alsace and Lorraine were the two epicentres of linguistic chauvinism, where German became the official language, and French was actively suppressed in schools and public life. After the Treaty of Frankfurt and a shift in language-related policies, The French-speaking inhabitants faced challenges in maintaining their language and culture under German rule. In particular, this war led to long-lasting linguistic and cultural tensions in the regions, becoming an integral part of the region's history.
Japanese Invasion of Korea:
The Japanese invasion of Korea in the late 16th century, particularly during the Imjin War, had profound impacts on the Korean language during this period, the Japanese language and culture exerted influence on the Korean language, leading to the adoption of Japanese vocabulary and linguistic patterns. In addition, the use of Japanese was also promoted in educational, governmental, and social contexts. The promotion of Japanese usage in various contexts was a deliberate strategy to undermine the cultural and linguistic identity of the Korean people, impacting the transmission of traditional knowledge and culture to younger generations.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine:
Linguistic chauvinism has been used as a protest tactic during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Significant changes have been observed in language policies and usage. These changes included laws passed by the Ukrainian government restricting the use of Russian books and music, which reflected a transformation in language usage and cultural expression. The invasion has resulted in a notable increase in the use of the Ukrainian language, with a 500% surge in users learning Ukrainian on the language app, Duo-lingo.
Adolf Hitler's rule in Germany:
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime exerted a significant influence on the German language. They sought to manipulate and reshape the German language to reflect Nazi ideology and establish linguistic superiority. The regime introduced new terms and phrases infused with Nazi propaganda and ideology, aiming to control public discourse and reinforce the perceived 'purity' of the German language.
Spanish Invasion of South America:
Before the Spanish conquest, South America boasted a profound linguistic diversity. Estimates suggest that the continent was home to approximately 1,500 languages spoken across different indigenous communities, reflecting a rich linguistic heritage. Despite this, the Spanish invasion profoundly altered the linguistic landscape of South America, with indigenous languages being marginalized and stigmatized. Coercive tactics, such as linguistic prohibitions and punishment for speaking indigenous tongues, significantly suppressed these languages, leading to a decline in their use. Language shift and endangerment were further compounded as native speakers increasingly adopted Spanish, either by coercion or as a means of social advancement.
The history of linguistic chauvinism is fraught with examples of how language has been weaponized to assert dominance, suppress cultural identities, and exert control over populations. From historical invasions to modern conflicts, the imposition of language has been a tool used to undermine the freedom of speech and expression. However, amidst these challenges, there is resilience and resistance. People have fought to preserve their mother tongues, reclaim their cultural heritage, and resist linguistic oppression. It is a reminder of the power of language not only to divide but also to unite, to oppress, but also to empower. As we navigate the complexities of linguistic diversity, it is imperative to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and respect for cultural identities, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the tapestry of human expression.