European Humanities in Times of Globalized Parochialism

Abstract

Abstract: In this talk I would like to give a sober and unadorned analysis of the asymmetrical situation between native English speakers (NES) and non-native English speakers (NoNES) in the (non-Anglophone) European Humanities using the example of philosophy of science. Globalization in the world of learning has led to an ever increasing use of the English language also in the humanities, and here particularly in disciplines like logic and philosophy of science. In the humanities, too, English has become the lingua franca. In order to be noticed, scholars have to wrap their ideas in English. The talk mentions seven negative wrapping effects for NoNES, most importantly that the agenda in philosophy of science is set in the Anglophone world, particularly in the US. As a consequence European approaches are largely marginalized and not even taken notice of in other European countries, since the “relay station” of being noticed is the recognition and discussion of such approaches by major Anglophone figures. Part of the marginalization is the European Reference Index for the Humanities(ERIH). As a matter of principle the asymmetry cannot be completely removed,since its cause will remain: for some the lingua franca is their mother tongue,for others not. The talk concludes with six recommendations for improving this unsatisfying situation.