The Power of the English Language: A Voice for Our Planet

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Good morning everyone,

Honorable judges and all audiences

First of all, let us say thanks to Allah SWT, who has given us mercy and blessing. So we can attend in this beautiful place without any obstacles.

Second, also let us deliver shalawat and salam to our prophet Muhammad SAW, who brought us from the darkness to the lightness. So we are always in the right path.

Third, I’ll never forget to say thank you to the all committees and judges for this opportunity for me and place.

Before I dive into my speech, I want to ask you the simple question: can you imagine that you have the idea and the massive campaign, then you want to share with people from around the world through social media? But suddenly, you are stuck because you can’t speak and write in their language?

So, it’s not because your idea is bad, but because you’re still locked within the boundary.

Nelson Mandela once said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.” Then, the question is what is that language understood by many people? The famous linguist, David Crystal, agrees that English is the answer.

Therefore today, I would like to share with you how important English is. I will explain it from an environmental perspective. So, it will be easier for us to understand. It is a great honor for me to stand here and deliver a speech entitled:

“The Power of the English Language: A Voice for Our Planet”

Dear happy audiencies,

Let’s look at international movement such as the “ClimateStrike” in 2019. This action was started with one student from Sweden, Greta Thunberg. She gave the speech in English at UN Climate Action Summit. Millions of students from around the world joined this movement, even spoke up through their social media about “save the planet”.  Then, how did the whole world follow her movement, including 18 cities in Indonesia?

Whether you realize it or not, that’s the power of the English language.

I can say that English is no longer just a subject in school. Furthermore, this language is “the boundary breaker.”

It makes geographic boundaries disappear. This movement can run everywhere, not only in Indonesia, but also in Australia and South Korea. In other words, English really helps to communicate, exchange ideas, and build connections between countries.

Because of this language, young Indonesians are not just showing off. Instead, proving that they are always active in global issues and ready to lead for a better future.

Every time they write informative caption in English, or create a powerful video using English subtitle. It shows that our voices are heard and our existence is recognized by the global community. That’s what I called the boundary has broken.

But why must it be “proficiency”? Why don’ t we just use Google Translate?

Dear happy audiences,

Nelson Mandela added that “If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” It shows that if we want to persuade many people, we have to speak and write English very well. There is the sincerity and empathy in which google translate doesn’t have. Many people from around the world are moved by your idea and follow it.

In the end, I must say that let’s stop seeing English as a hurdle we must overcome. English has become the bridge. This language gives us the opportunity to improve our world together.

That is all from me. Thank you for your kind attention. I’m sorry if I have many mistakes to you all. I’m Aviciena Fajriya,

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh