In September of the year 2000 I was trying to write the last words of a thesis that was to conclude a long but fascinating period of postgraduate study at the University Kebangsaan Malaysia. In the introduction to that piece of work (which has been sadly sitting in my shelves ever since) I wrote
previously isolated peoples are being brought together voluntarily and involuntarily by the increasing integration of markets, the emergence of new regional political alliances, the remarkable advances in telecommunications and in transportation that have prompted unprecedented demographic shifts. The resulting confluence of peoples and cultures is an increasingly global, multicultural world brimming with tension, confusion and conflict in the process of its adjustment to pluralism.
And now, almost 12 years and what seems to be an eternity later, I find myself thinking about the same problem but from a new perspective, one inspired by technology and its effects on the way we communicate interpersonally, interculturally, digitally.
The internet has radically changed the way we communicate. That is obvious. It seems to be pulling us towards a globalised universe where one single language is predominant, a set of specific content rules apply to the way we publish our thoughts and where those previously important cultural aspects of communication are buried by the sufficiently comprehensible exchanged produced by the very practical Google translate tool.
But is it, really? Is pluralism really burying its head in the universal sand that is our virtual world? I personally don’t think so, and I personally don’t want so, and I personally want to work towards preserving the uniqueness and idiosancracies that make us all different and have them appropriately reflected in this fascinating digital planet we have created for ourselves.
My name is Teresa Rodriguez, I was born in Barcelona and I live in Sydney, Australia. Since very little I had a fierce interest in anything and everyone beyond the Pyrenees, particularly the Asian continent. I have a B.A. in Asian studies, and two postgrad courses, one on English language studies and Intercultural communication and another in Interpreting, Translating and International Relations. My interest in language, communication, people and dialogue has never diminished. I continue with my never-ending quest to master the Chinese (and Japanese) language(s). I am also the content manager for the Hotfrog Small Business Hub.
I want to make sure that the uniqueness in every single one of us is properly reflected and respected in our digital world. That’s why I want to write and that’s why I want to share some of my thoughts with you.
a very inspiring post, it’s nice to have those goals in life. Cheers Nonoy Manga
Thanks Nonoy Manga 🙂 It’s soo good to see how this caring, very engaged blogging community, so interested about everything that happens around us, becomes part of one’s life. Really enjoy that part of blogging. Good luck with everything! Teresa
Your liking my Haiku meant a lot to me Teresa – please don’t read the Japanese, I wasn’t able to fit all in!
I loved the combination of Japanese and English and the intention behind it. Thank you!
Hi! http://managuagunntoday.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/wonderful-team-member-readership-award-end-of-week-summary/ you’ve been nominated!
That’s so very nice of you!! Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙂 What a lovely blogging community. I’m very humbled 🙂
Well, your blog IS great, so are your comments. Thank YOU.
http://managuagunntoday.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/my-kingdom-my-kingdom-for-one-lovely-blog-award/ I have enjoyed your blog and the atmosphere you create – so forwarded the award on to you,and thanks!
This is really, really nice of you, again! So, by looking at the rules, do I now need to nominate another 15 blogs? Is that how it works?
Thank you yepirategunn! Happy days!
Your blog is just so good to dip into. I mean real, concrete, relevant discussion. Yes, its a lot of work unfortunately…but you can get around to it much later…!
Wow. “The resulting confluence of peoples and cultures is an increasingly global, multicultural world brimming with tension, confusion and conflict in the process of its adjustment to pluralism.” We are also talking about Dialogue over at our site. Say hi? 🙂
I sure will, Orangutan Swing. Had a quick look and I love the variety of topics, I’ll get into it in more detail when I get a chance! Thanks for dropping by and keep on promoting dialogue 🙂
Congratulations! I nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award. Shine on! http://wp.me/p27eXb-bo
Blazingtrail! Wow! I’m lost for words, this is extremely unexpected but very, very special! I feel so very honoured! I really, really thank you! I would love to do something in return, what can I do for you? Can I spread your word somehow?? Many, many thanks 🙂
Teresa
Thanks Teresa…And you’re most welcome. In any way you are able to help or suggestions you may have, I would really appreciate. You’re doing an amazing job. Best Regards!
As long as we are free to write, to sing, to act, and to say what we wish to say, our singularity will not be lost. Keep on blogging yourself and we will listen. Keep on blogging.
Tim
Hello Teresa,
Happy New Year to you, hope it is not too late. May 2013 be a year of success, love, and happiness for you.
Thank you for keep following my blog. I hope my blog posts do not disappoint. My subscription went messed up, so now I am resubscribing. Looking forward to reading more!
Take care, many blessings and much love to you. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Hello! I enjoyed your post about interpreting humour, and the Chilean miner interview on David Letterman. Would it be OK for me to link to this post on a newsletter I produce weekly for interpreting students? Thanks!
Thank you very much Sophiezest, of course it would be ok for you to link the article to your newsletter, in fact, I would very much appreciate it. 🙂 What institution is it for? Really glad to help! Have a wonderful day,
Teresa
Hello again, I run a website called http://www.speechpool.net which hosts practice material for interpreting students. I write a weekly newsletter, and this week I’m focusing on humour. I can email you a copy of the newsletter if you like (if you give me your email!). Thanks for the permission to link!
Sophie
What a good idea, Sophie! A tool much needed in the interpreting community! Glad I could help. If you visit my website http://www.voxroxmedia.com, you could get in touch via the contact form there. All the best! Teresa