Respond: Nicholas Ostler, Is It Globalization that Endangers Languages?
RESPOND •
1. Briefly summarize Ostler’s argument. In what way is it an example of a causal argument? (See Chapter 11 on causal arguments.)
2. How does Ostler structure his argument, and how does this structure help listeners follow his argument? To answer this question, start by dividing the text into sections, and then label the function of each based on the way it moves Ostler’s argument forward. For example, in his opening sentence, Ostler defines what he means by globalization. The next several paragraphs provide historical information in chronological order. You can take it from here.
3. Ostler relies heavily on factual evidence to support his claims, offering many examples. In some cases, he offers a series of examples within a single paragraph; in others, he provides a series of paragraph-length examples. Study the text to find cases of each, and discuss with a classmate how these different ways of using examples are appropriate in context.
4. As noted, this selection was written as a conference paper to be read aloud, a fact that helps account for its short length and minimal use of references. Look for other features of the text that likely result from its being written to be read aloud. (A good way to think about this question would be to read the text aloud.) Here, consider matters related to sentence structure and length as well as the use of markers of structure like “finally.” (Chapter 13 on style in arguments may help you here.) How has Ostler acknowledged the immediate context of the conference? How does this contribute to his ethos for the local audience? (See Chapter 3 about ethos.)
5. In the closing paragraphs of his talk, Ostler encourages his audience “to listen to the stories told in [an endangered language], respect the people who tell those stories, and see them passed on to the next generation.” Do some research on an endangered language, choosing one to investigate in more detail. You may wish to investigate a Native American language spoken in your area or an endangered language elsewhere in the world. (The Wikipedia entry on “endangered languages” is a place to start, as are the Web sites mentioned in the next selection.) Write a factual argument in which you present information about the current vitality of the language — where it is spoken, how many speakers there are, whether the language is also written, etc. — and any efforts to document the language or to keep it alive. Perhaps, following Ostler’s advice, you can find first-person accounts — stories — of efforts to preserve the language. (See Chapter 8 on arguments of fact.)