The Role of the English Language in Chile

The English language seems to be an unavoidable force in the world of international communication. Countries all over the world have adopted English, easily or with much difficulty, because knowing and using a potential lingua franca has an immense economic upside. For this reason, few countries have made it a point not to cash in on the spread of the English language. Chile, for the most part, is one of these countries. Since the country does not take ownership of English, it would be more effective to look at some of the possible reasons why the language has not found a place in Chile. English likely has such a small role in Chile because of relations with the U.S. and creative literature and notoriety.

CHILE AND THE LACK OF LINGUISTIC RESEARCH

Chile is located along the southwestern coast of South America, with Argentina to the east, Bolivia to the northeast, and Peru to the north. There is very little research about the language of Chile and the role that English has in the country. This is likely because of the linguistic perception of South America as the “forgotten continent” (Friedrich & Berns, 83):

“[Linguists] are more concerned about characterizations of South America as a uniform continental block, as culturally and linguistically monolithic. No doubt the geographical configuration of its individual countries into one easily identifiable body of land contributes to such a perception, but nothing could be further from the truth. (85)

Regardless of political clout, economy, or history, Chile, as all countries in South America, deserves to be studied in regard to language and how it is used. The country is quite large at almost 300,000 square miles, the 38th largest country. The country has over 16 million residents, most of which are white and white-Amerindian (95%). The official language and essentially the only language spoken in large amounts is Spanish (Wikipedia, “Chile”). It quickly becomes obvious by looking at the demographic breakdown that Chile is not a small country with little to lose or gain by speaking English, so there must be some reasons as to why Chileans do not take ownership of English.

SALVADOR ALLENDE AND U.S. INTERVENTION

One possible reason might be that relations with the United States in the past thirty-five years have not been great. Marxist physician and member of Chile’s Socialist Party, Salvador Allende ran for president in 1964. The United States “through the CIA, spent millions campaigning against him, mostly through radio and print advertising” (Wikipedia, “United StatesâÂ?¦”). Allende lost the 1964 election but won when he ran again in 1970. Despite pressure from the US Government, the Chilean Congress kept with tradition and had a runoff vote between the two lead candidates, with Allende winning convincingly. Again, the United States, “led by President Richard Nixon (who stated his fear that Chile could become ‘another Cuba’), implemented economic sanctions against Chile to encourage Allende’s resignation, his overthrow, or his defeat in the impending election of 1976” (“United StatesâÂ?¦”).

Prior to Allende taking office, Chile was experiencing an economic depression. This was largely caused by those opposed to Allende and the socialist program who withdrew money from banks and ceased investments (“United StatesâÂ?¦”). Production fell and unemployment was at an all-time high. Many new programs were implemented to save Chile’s economy:

Allende adopted measures including price freezes, wage increases, and tax reforms, which had the effect of increasing consumer spending and redistributing income downward. Much of the banking sector was nationalized. Many enterprises within the copper, coal, iron, nitrate, and steel industries were expropriated, nationalized, or subjected to state intervention. (Wikipedia, “Chile”)

Along with these reforms were redistribution of land to landless farmers, pay increases for armed forces, and milk programs for children. Chile’s economic troubles started to level out.

The United States invened once again in 1973 with a military coup designed to overthrow Allende. Armed forces (not belonging to the U.S.) attacked the presidential palace, leading to Allende’s supposed suicide and General Pinochet’s control of the country. In Pinochet’s first years, thousands of people were killed, many by the regime’s “Caravan of Death,” and some 30,000 people were forced to flee the country (“Chile”). President Clinton released CIA documents regarding the military coup, marking the first time the U.S. Government claimed any responsibility for the events that happened in Chile in 1973:

It is firm and continuing policy that Allende be overthrown by a coup. It would be much preferable to have this transpire prior to 24 October but efforts in this regard will continue vigorously beyond this date. We are to continue to generate maximum pressure toward this end, utilizing every appropriate resource. It is imperative that these actions be implemented clandestinely and securely so that the USG [United States Government] and American hand be well hidden. (Wikipedia, “United States Intervention…”)

Many hold the U.S. Government responsible for Allende’s death and view him as a “victim of American imperialism,” and those of the political left consider him a “martyr who died for the cause of socialism âÂ?¦ [and who showed] that Socialism can be reached through a democratic, pacific path” (Wikipedia, “Salvador Allende”). With a generally beloved national leader and the disaterous intervention of the U.S., it is no wonder why Chileans have felt strong reservations about meshing their culture-something that is very important to citizens of Chile-with American culture by adopting the English language.

“LAND OF THE POETS” AND PABLO NERUDA

Chile has had a colorful tradition of world-renowned poets and other creative writers. Citizens call their country Pais de Poetas, which means “land of the poets” (Wikipedia, “Chile”). The country has been the home of several Nobel Prize winners for Literature. A sense of national pride comes from the plethora of successful poets and the country’s literary notoriety and establishes Chile as a Spanish-language nation. This national pride has a definite hand in lowering the appeal of another language, especially English, as a lingua franca.

The most famous Chilean poet is Pablo Neruda. Neruda was one of the many winners of the Nobel Prize, winning the award in 1971 despite his controversial strong support of Stalinist dictatorship. The poet is considered one of the greatest Spanish-language poets of the 20th century and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Colombian novelist, has even called him “the greatest poet of the 20th century in any language” (Wikipedia, “Pablo Neruda”). Neruda’s work ranges from “erotically charged love poems, surrealist poems, historical epics, and overtly political poems, to poems on common things, like nature and the sea” (“Pablo Neruda”). Though known as an unspoken communist, especially in his poetry, Neruda’s popularity in Chile is immeasurable. In 1970, he was nominated for the Chilean presidency, but decided instead to support Salvador Allende instead. Shortly after his inauguration, the poet was appointed the Chilean ambassador to France.

CONCLUSION

It is true that the power of the English language is felt throughout the world, but there are still some countries that have stayed strong against the growing lingua franca. Chile has done its best, whether intentionally or not, to keep the country a Spanish-speaking country. This is thanks in no small part to the hard feelings toward the U.S. for the government’s pervious interventions. Aside from Chilean youth enjoying in American popular culture, the U.S. and its place within Chile has been looked down upon for years. Spanish also remains a source of pride in Chile because of the country’s long line of successful creative writers. Though English has a small role in Chile, something that cannot be said for many countries now around the world, the country’s decision to avoid the English language is not without warrant.

WORKS CITED

“Chile.” Wikipedia. 13 May 2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 16 May, 2006. .

Friedrich, Patricia & Margie Berns. “Introduction: English in South America, the other forgotten continent.” World Englishes. 22.2 (2003): 83-90.

“Pablo Neruda.” Wikipedia. 11 May 2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 13 May, 2006. .

“Salvador Allende.” Wikipedia. 12 May 2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 16 May, 2006. .

“United States intervention in Chile.” Wikipedia. 9 May 2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 11 May, 2006. .