Strength in Numbers... And Words

Colonial power is one that has always been longed for by superpower countries and developing countries alike. Throughout history, notable empires such as that of the British, French and German have colonized countries such as Australia, USA, Madagascar and Cameroon, creating their own settlements even in places where they may not be wanted. Although it may not be noted as more influential than violence and discrimination, language actually has had immense effects on historical colonialism, and it is without doubt that it has contributed to colonial power today and may continue to do so.

Considering it is my country of origin and as a result of my previous education on my country’s history, I will be making reference to Australian colonialism. As previously discussed both within the article ‘Back to Babel’ and in class, a language is much more than a compilation of words and punctuation; it creates more meaning than simply the words and can almost be described as a living being. I like to compare a language with a human. The language begins its life with simplicity and little behind it (like a baby), then develops with history and memories within it. These memories are like our own: special to the person who has them but is not as special to third parties because they have less meaning. There are some things that only make sense in a single language and are only special to that language. Once that language disappears, or dies (like a human), as have many, these memories are lost, or the significance of these memories are. Given this significance, people tend to develop based on their lingual background and taking their language away is equivalent to taking away a part of these people.

It is not surprising therefore that colonialism often involves stripping indigenous people of their language in order to strip part of their identity, making it psychologically easier to discriminate against them due to the dehumanization of the indigenous inhabitants. This colonization caused major controversy as a treaty was never signed when the First Fleet arrived, and following attacks back-and-forth, the British superiority in technology and numbers led to their victory. As has been the case in most colonized countries, the indigenous people are forced to speak the dominant language, thus causing the gradual integration into that colony as prior culture, traditions and beliefs are partially lost with language.

Language even has an effect on how this historical event is viewed today. Aboriginals (indigenous Australians) frequently refer to the colonization of Australia as an “invasion” rather than a celebration, and while many celebrate Australia Day which is coming in the next few weeks, it is beyond doubt that several protests will carry out from indigenous activists on the day. This simple choice of words demonstrates the opposing perspectives and ultimately demonstrates the power of language in dictating historical attitudes to events such as colonization.

Language may be overviewed as a colonial catalyst, however it has immeasurable influence and power over the success of colonization considering its ability to dehumanize and record events of colonialism.