In the first few weeks of class several TED Talks were part of our reading list. One of the first talks that I watched was Mark Pagel: How Language Transformed humanity. Through this talk Pagel (2011), highlights how and why language is the most important and vital trait that has ever evolved. Language he explains, has the primary role in fostering cooperation, as well as in creating barriers to that cooperation. As such, he suggests that in the face of increasing globalization there is a need to shift to one universal language. This conclusion left me feeling perplexed. If Pagel is suggesting that we need to give up our native languages in order to all speak the same language, I think we would be doing ourselves harm. While I do see the value of having a common language for exchange (and we already see it occurring at a rapid pace), I do not agree that people should lose their native languages in this pursuit. Pagel argues that having different languages create barriers. Yet, I would argue that these languages are an integral part of individual and collective identity and that taking this away for the ease of cooperation (which seems more like uniformity in this case) is detrimental. Diversity of perspectives, values and beliefs while challenging, are a strength and part of what enables us to grow, evolve and further develop our ideas. Ultimately, I think the argument made is too narrow and does not cover the multitude of roles language plays in society. As we look deeper at issues of language, power, culture, and globalization in class I hope we will have the opportunity to explore this further.