Speaking English Is Not Intelligence

SPEAKING ENGLISH IS NOT INTELLIGENCE
In another vein, El-Haj Malik El-Shabazz, popularly known as Malcolm X, once made a profound statement that challenges the pervasive and often unexamined assumptions about intelligence, language, and literacy. He said, “Being able to speak the English language impeccably doesn’t mean you’re intelligent, because English is just a language, just like any other language.” This statement is a powerful reminder that linguistic proficiency in a particular language, especially one as globally dominant as English, should not be conflated with intelligence or intellectual capability. Malcolm X’s words resonate deeply in contexts where English is often elevated above other languages, creating hierarchies that marginalize non-English speakers and devalue their knowledge, culture, and identity.

To those who disturb others with their insistence on the superiority of the English language, Malcolm X’s message is a call to humility and reflection. It is a reminder that the ability to speak English fluently does not inherently make one more intelligent, more capable, or more worthy of respect. English, like every other language, is a tool for communication, a medium through which ideas, emotions, and knowledge are expressed. It is not a measure of one’s intellectual depth, creativity, or problem-solving abilities. Yet, in many societies, particularly those with colonial histories, English has been weaponized as a marker of education, sophistication, and even social status. This has led to the marginalization of those who do not speak English, creating a false dichotomy between the “educated” and the “uneducated,” the “literate” and the “illiterate.”

The question then arises: What does it truly mean to call someone illiterate? If literacy is defined as the ability to read and write, then we must ask ourselves: Read and write what? If an individual is fluent in their native language, such as Bambara, Twi, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Gonja or any other indigenous language, and can read and write in that language, does their inability to read or write in English make them illiterate? The answer, of course, is no. Literacy is not confined to a single language, nor should it be. The ability to communicate effectively, to engage with one’s culture, and to contribute to one’s community through language is what truly matters. Yet, the dominant narrative in many parts of the world, particularly in postcolonial societies, has been to equate literacy with proficiency in English or other colonial languages. This mindset has had devastating consequences, as it has led many people to internalize a sense of inferiority simply because they do not speak or write in English.

This narrow definition of literacy has caused countless individuals who are fluent in their local languages to view themselves as illiterate or uneducated. It has created a system in which the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of communities is devalued, and in which people are made to feel ashamed of their mother tongues. This is not only unjust but also counterproductive, as it stifles the diversity of thought and expression that is essential for societal progress. Language is not just a means of communication; it is a repository of history, culture, and identity. When we dismiss or devalue a language, we are effectively erasing a part of humanity’s collective heritage.

Malcolm X’s statement invites us to rethink our assumptions about language, intelligence, and literacy. It challenges us to recognize that intelligence is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to linguistic proficiency in a single language. It also calls on us to question the systems of power that have elevated certain languages, such as English, above others, often at the expense of marginalized communities. By doing so, we can begin to dismantle the hierarchies that have been constructed around language and create a more inclusive and equitable understanding of what it means to be literate.

Moreover, Malcolm X’s words highlight the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to preserve and promote indigenous languages. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is easy to overlook the value of local languages in favor of global lingua francas like English. However, this trend comes at a cost. When local languages are neglected or allowed to die out, we lose not only unique ways of expressing ideas but also entire worldviews and systems of knowledge. Indigenous languages often contain insights and wisdom that are not easily translatable into dominant languages, and their loss represents a loss for humanity as a whole.

Malcolm X’s assertion that “being able to speak the English language impeccably doesn’t mean you’re intelligent” serves as a powerful critique of the ways in which language has been used to perpetuate inequality and marginalization. It challenges us to expand our understanding of literacy and to recognize the value of all languages, not just those that have been historically privileged. By doing so, we can begin to create a world in which linguistic diversity is celebrated, and in which no one is made to feel inferior simply because they do not speak a particular language. This is not just a matter of fairness or justice; it is a matter of preserving the richness and complexity of human culture and thought.