Neutrality of International Languages
Published Online: Jan 01, 2017
Abstract
This paper focuses on the neutrality of international languages. First, a derivation of the concept of “neutral language” from “inter- national communicative act” is provided; it is argued that an acceptable neutral language for international communication can only be an artificial language. Certain characterizations of consciously created languages are discussed. The paper distinguishes two types of neutrality: communicative neutrality and linguistic neutrality. All planned languages are communicatively neutral, but their linguistic neutrality varies, reflecting the diversity of language design principles. Given that absolute linguistic neutrality unattainable, it becomes reasonable to construct a language based on certain control languages plus linguistic universals. We introduce the term “deneutralization” to designate a process whereby a neutral language changes into an ordinary language. The paper also shows that Esperanto has not become deneutralized.