This video is a satire on the language barrier. Two scientists from the MSIRO (Marketing, Science, Industrial Research Organization) who are best known for their study of the sexual activity of guavas are given funding to test the myth that it is impossible to sell products to people from non-English speaking backgrounds. They attempt to penetrate a physical language barrier that is placed between a non-English speaking couple and a product accelerator. In the end however, they prove the myth to be false when they turn on SBS Radio. SBS Radio, a program provided by the Special Broadcasting Service based in Australia, is a service that broadcasts news, current affairs, sport news, music, and community information to people of non-English speaking backgrounds in their native languages. To this date, SBS broadcasts in 68 languages. The purpose of this satire was to emphasize the lasting reputation the language barrier has of being incredibly difficult and unsolvable. It is suggesting that it is relatively simple to solve using tools we can create. The audience is meant for the general public, as it is meant to advertise SBS radio as well as inform.
SBS Radio. Funny way to break the language barrier! 19 June 2007. 17 Feb 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vR8WOEcqpw
On a slightly serious note, the language barrier can be overcome by learning and using Esperanto, the planned international language. Take a look at www.esperanto.net
ReplyDeleteInteresting mention of Esperanto!
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate that most people still do not know that this comparatively new language has also become a living language.
Confirmation can be seen at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8837438938991452670
Otherwise http://www.lernu.net ?