The Reading section of the IELTS exam assesses your ability to interpret and comprehend written texts. Various passages cover topics ranging from social sciences to historical events. One recurring theme in the Reading section is the impact of globalization on language. Given the ubiquity of this topic in recent years, it’s likely that similar passages might appear in future exams. This piece will delve into “How does globalization influence language use and preservation?” while providing a comprehensive practice passage and a detailed analysis to aid your preparation.
Reading Passage
Passage: The Impact of Globalization on Language Use and Preservation
Globalization, the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating at an international scale, has profound implications for language use and preservation. As societies become more interconnected, the linguistic landscape transforms in significant ways.
One of the most noticeable effects of globalization on languages is the widespread adoption of a few dominant languages, particularly English. As the lingua franca of international business, science, technology, and entertainment, English has gained unprecedented global prominence. This linguistic shift often results in the marginalization of minority languages.
Moreover, the rise of digital media has accelerated the spread of dominant languages. Social media platforms, online forums, and digital content often favor English, creating an environment where native speakers of less widely spoken languages might feel compelled to adopt English to participate in global conversations.
However, this linguistic dominance comes at a cost. The preservation of local languages becomes increasingly challenging. Languages that lose speakers at a rapid rate are at risk of becoming extinct. According to UNESCO, more than 40% of the world’s languages are at some level of endangerment. Language loss equates to the erosion of cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and social identity.
Efforts to preserve languages in the age of globalization are multifaceted. Governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations play crucial roles. Initiatives include creating language documentation projects, integrating indigenous languages into school curricula, and promoting the use of minority languages in media. For instance, in New Zealand, the government has implemented policies to revive the Maori language through education and public broadcasting.
In conclusion, globalization, while facilitating unprecedented connectivity and exchange, poses significant challenges to language preservation. The tension between adopting global languages for broader communication and maintaining linguistic diversity for cultural preservation exemplifies the complex dynamics of a globalized world.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, what is one significant effect of globalization on languages?
- A. The development of new languages.
- B. The universal adoption of minority languages.
- C. The widespread use of English.
- D. The decline of digital media.
-
What is the role of digital media in language use, as mentioned in the passage?
- A. It helps preserve minority languages.
- B. It promotes the use of English.
- C. It encourages the creation of new languages.
- D. It reduces the importance of language preservation.
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- UNESCO states that over 50% of the world’s languages are endangered. (True/False/Not Given)
- The passage suggests that language preservation is solely the responsibility of governments. (True/False/Not Given)
Matching Information
-
Match the following organizations with their roles in language preservation:
- Governments
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
a. Implementing language revival policies.
b. Promoting the use of minority languages in media.
c. Integrating indigenous languages into school curricula.
Sentence Completion
- Language loss leads to the erosion of ___.
Short-answer Questions
- How does New Zealand promote the Maori language?
Answer Key
Multiple Choice
- C. The widespread use of English.
- B. It promotes the use of English.
Identifying Information
- False (The passage states more than 40% of the world’s languages are at some level of endangerment.)
- Not Given (The passage mentions multiple stakeholders but does not claim it is solely the responsibility of governments.)
Matching Information
-
- Governments: a. Implementing language revival policies.
- Educational Institutions: c. Integrating indigenous languages into school curricula.
- Non-profit Organizations: b. Promoting the use of minority languages in media.
Sentence Completion
- cultural heritage.
Short-answer Questions
- Through education and public broadcasting policies.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting the primary message: Many students focus too much on minor details rather than grasping the main idea.
- Overlooked details in identifying answers: Always refer back to the passage to ensure accuracy.
- Slight but crucial word changes: In True/False/Not Given questions, even a single word change can affect the accuracy.
Tips for Success
- Skim-read the passage first to understand the gist.
- Identify keywords in the questions and find corresponding parts in the text.
- Practice different types of questions to become familiar with various question formats.
Vocabulary
Challenging Words and Their Meanings
- Lingua franca (noun): a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different.
- Marginalization (noun): treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.
- Endangerment (noun): the condition of being at risk or in danger of becoming extinct.
Grammar Points
Complex Sentences
- Definition: A complex sentence is a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses.
- Example: “As societies become more interconnected, the linguistic landscape transforms in significant ways.”
- Usage: Use complex sentences to show relationships between different ideas.
Conclusion
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section requires dedicated practice and a thorough understanding of various topics. Enhance your preparation by focusing on practice passages similar to potential exam content and honing your skills in answering different types of questions. By understanding and mitigating common mistakes, expanding your vocabulary, and mastering complex grammar structures, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score.