oted as
being, then all users, regardless of language background, should have
access to it. To keep the internet as the preserve of those who, by
historical accident, practical necessity, or political privilege,
happen to know English, is unfair to those who don't." (Brian King,
director of the WorldWide Language Institute, September 1998)

# A medium for the world

"It is very important to be able to communicate in various languages. I
would even say this is mandatory, because the information given on the
internet is meant for the whole world, so why wouldn't we get this
information in our language or in the language we wish? Worldwide
information, but no broad choice for languages, this would be quite a
contradiction, wouldn't it?" (Maria Victoria Marinetti, teacher in
Spanish and translator, August 1999)

# Good software

"When software gets good enough for people to chat or talk on the web
in real time in different languages, then we will see a whole new world
appear before us. Scientists, political activists, businesses and many
more groups will be able to communicate immediately without having to
go through mediators or translators." (Tim McKenna, writer and
philosopher, October 2000)

***

Unless specified otherwise, quotations are excerpts from NEF
interviews. Many thanks to all those who are quoted in this book, and
who kindly answered questions about multilingualism over the years.
Most interviews are available online <http://www.etudes-
francaises.net/entretiens/>. This book is also available in French,
with a different text. Both versions are available online
<http://www.etudes-francaises.net/entretiens/multi.htm>. The author,
whose mother tongue is French, is responsible for any remaining
mistakes in English.

Marie Lebert is a researcher and editor specializing in technology for
books, other media, and languages. Her books are published by NEF (Net
des etudes francaises / Net of French Studies), University of Toronto,
Canada, and are freely available online <http://www.etudes-
francaises.net>.

"LANGUAGE NATIONS" ONLINE

= [Quote]

Randy Hobler, a consultant in internet marketing for Globalink, a
company specializing in language translation software and services,
wrote in September 1998: "Because the internet has no national
boundaries, the organization of users is bounded by other criteria
driven by the medium itself. In terms of multilingualism, you have
virtual communities, for ex