by Nikitas » Sun Jun 21, 2009 1:54 pm
The problem is speaking. If we can remove that obstacle and go on to UNDERSTANDING the other's language we can move. It is faster, easier and more practical to teach people to understand the other language rather than speak it. So in the end we can each hear and understand the other communal language and not be able to speak it.
From personal experience I know that this is possible. I can understand Italian and Spanish, but would not be able to convernse because of lack of practice in speaking.
This has been done in the past in multi national projects and has worked just fine. It also does away with objections like those expressed above about being forced to speak the "enemy" language.
Failing the above we can then decide on a third language to use, contrary to Tim's opinion above I do not agree that this would create an elite. If the common language is taught in a practical manner, and not as one more academic subject which culiminates in a meaningless exam for a useless qualification (ie the damn profficiency certificate), then most people will learn it. The Dutch system of langauge teaching should be a guide. I have yet to meet a Dutch person who does not speak at least two languages. Even those that do not speak English understand it well enough to get on in business.
