Another or the other?

[irmamar]

This sentence is driving me crazy because I don't know if use "the other" or "another". The context is some factors in bilingual or multilingual contexts, so there are more than a language, two or more (but not necessarily more than two):

X factors affect people's attitude towards one language or the other/or another.

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

This sentence is driving me crazy because I don't know if WHETHER TO use "the other" or "another". The context is some factors in bilingual or multilingual contexts, so there are more than a language, two or more (but not necessarily more than two):

X factors affect people's attitude towards one language or the other/or another.

Thanks.

If there could be more than two, then or another would be correct, because the other would specifically mean for two languages only.

[irmamar]

Whether, yes.

The condition is "more than a language". What would you say?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Whether, yes.

The condition is "more than a language". What would you say?

Well, more than a language is incorrect, it would be more than one language.

Ultimately, you have to sacrifice succinctness for the sake of correct grammar and clarity: The real answer would be

X factors affect people's attitude both towards the one language and another language or other languages.

- this also gives you the chance of spelling language in three different ways.

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

Well, more than a language is incorrect, it would be more than one language.

Ultimately, you have to sacrifice succinctness for the sake of correct grammar and clarity: The real answer would be

X factors affect people's attitude both towards the one language and another language or other languages.

- this also gives you the chance of spelling language in three different ways.

Sorry, one language, you're right (as ever).

Too long, I have a limit of words (and there are many "languages" -all of them written in the same way... ).

[Awaken]

Another is correct here. "The other" means there can only be 2 as Perikles pointed out.

X factors affect people's attitude towards one language or another.
The above sentence makes me think you are saying X factors affect them choosing one language over another, not just their attitude.

If you are just referring to their attitude, it is shorter and clearer to say:

X factors affect people's attitude towards a language.

[irmamar]

Thank you, Awaken. It seems enough clear now.

[Awaken]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Thank you, Awaken. It seems enough clear enough now.

No problem.

[irmamar]

I was sure I was wrong!!

Thanks.

[CrOtALiTo]

In mu humble opinion I should use other word.

Other factor in the people's attitude toward one language.

I'm quite sure that I should use that word instead of another.
I find more appropriate that word.