Question

In the Introduction, Harrison claims that the first data (i.e., the first descriptions) about many languages come from missionaries. Please discuss two things:

• Why do missionaries tend to do linguistic fieldwork that others do not?
• What are the problems, from a cultural/linguistic standpoint, associated with indigenous people’s contact with Christian missionaries?

Answer 1

With the introduction of Christianity in England towards the end of the 6th century the importance of Latin increased manifold. It was absolutely done by the Christian missionaries from Rome and they spread Latin language in the English Nation. The adoption of Christianity by the English was not a change of faith only, it was a change in the entire way of life of an entire nation. Naturally Latin words to express new ideas and things introduced by the Roman Christians in England began to enter the English language also.

Along with the spread of imperialism the spread of English language also took place with the help of Christian missionaries. They had two purposes. At first they wanted to spread Christianity among the new nations in new land. On the other hand their purpose was to help the colonizers to get English educated workers to ensure the imperialistic activities. They introduced English language and they also established many English schools. At first the students of the rich family would get chance there. Gradually the spread of English became so rapid and even in the post colonial period English remained as one of the official language in the the colonized countries.

Language is a product of culture. Therefore it is very much difficult to those who to learn another language. The Christian Missionary published many books to help the native people to learn English with the help of their own language. They also made class division among the people with the help of language and it was their policy to to make a division. But it was also a a blow to the traditional culture of the nation. Along with the language many foreign culture also entered into the colonized people.