The recent discussion here on the comparison of 汉语 and the English language is a huge topic. Each of the views expressed touches upon aspects of the subject, yet none has addressed the issue from the level of civilization identity. While a decent study of the subject is way beyond the capacity of myself, and of everyone who has opined here, it's helpful to start by looking at the following quote from Samuel Huntington "Civilizations are differentiated from each other by history, language, culture, tradition and, most important, religion." and proceed to ask ourselves the following question: If we relinquish 汉语/汉字, the very essence of our language, what remains of our cultural identity? I'd like to specifically pose this question to 言真轻, who seems to have given some serious thoughts to and has made some very good points on the "demerits" of 汉语. Please go beyond the technicality of the two languages and look at the issue from a cultural perspective.