ESL Progress Newsletter 200702

Globalisation

What exactly does "globalisation" mean?
In its broadest terms the word simply means that "it relates to the whole world (or 'globe')". Simple!

So what does it mean in real terms?
Globalisation (AmE: globalization), means more integration between different countries, reduced transportation costs (e.g. cheaper flights), easier communication over great distances, more efficient trade between different countries around the globe (thereby improving the economies of developing countries), improved services and standardised quality of products (so you can buy the same fast food, fizzy drink etc. anywhere in the world), shared knowledge (in a variety of fields including medicine thereby reducing disease and mortality in developing countries) and general progress to the benefit of all. Sounds great, doesn't it!

Who makes globalisation happen?
There are many international bodies who are behind the globalisation movement. To name but a few in the field of global economics there are:

The IMF (International Monetary Fund)
The World Bank
The WTO (World Trade Organisation)

Why are some people against globalisation?
The opponents of globalisation cite various reasons for their resistance to it:

Some believe that globalisation leads to a loss of local traditions in the form of globallly uniform clothing (such as jeans), globally similar eating patterns (such as the fast food phenomenon) and globally popular music trends (such as western pop music). They argue that individual national identities are diluted by these factors.

It can also be argued that globalisation has not benefited developing countries that much. Globally speaking, the poor are still poor (with limited or no access to basics such as electricity, clean drinking water and essential medical help) and the wealthy countries seem to be maintaining or increasing their wealth quite efficiently.

Even the use of English as a global language has its detractors who argue that the global use of English is affecting individual languages. Some countries even try to stop English words entering their everyday language.

Is globalisation good for us?
In theory there are endless benefits to be gained from globalisation if it is handled carefully. Whether we will all benefit equally is hard to say. After all who can accurately predict the future?

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Each month we have a new Talking Point and invite your views and opinions. Just follow the link below to say what you think.

This month's Talking Point is:

"Globalisation: is it good or bad?"

Say what you think...