Benefits of Globish do not translate to written word
Sir, As always in his take on Globish, Simon Kuper hits the nail right on the head (FT Magazine, January 13/14). A distinction must be made between spoken and written Globish. Spoken Globish is fine — we are thankful that there is one common language in which conferences can be held, even if the effortless eloquence of speeches or the witty banter during coffee breaks remain the preserve of the Brits.
But written Globish doesn’t cut it, ever. A European speaker of English, having learned it as a second language in school, may feel qualified to write entire articles or web texts in the language (ouch). But native English speakers can tell from a mile away this is Globish, while the person fluent in Globish is oblivious to any wrongdoing.
This is good news for subeditors — or of (former) translators into English. Obviously, post-Brexit, British subeditors wanting to ply their trade in the EU will need a work permit.
So, either the Irish will fill these posts or Globish might become the new national language of the EU — just until the new generation that speaks less Globish and more English, the PewDiePies and those making Copenhagen and Amsterdam bilingual, have brushed up on their idioms (and use them correctly), lost their accent, and expanded their vocabulary.
Tina Hirschbuehl
Bangkok, Thailand
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