essay english is a global language

Essay on English as a Global Language

500 Words Essay On English as a Global Language

A global language is one that is spoken and understood at an international level by a wide variety of people. Moreover, no language in the world better fits this description than the English language. This essay on English as a global language will shed more light on this issue.

                                                                                                  Essay on English as a Global Language

Why English is a Global Language

When it comes to languages, one can make a strong argument that a strong link exists between dominance and cultural power. Furthermore, the main factor that the languages become popular is due to a powerful power-base, whether economic or political or military.

The derivation of the English language took place from languages like French, Latin, German, and other European languages. This can be a reason why many Europeans don’t find English a difficult language to learn. Furthermore, linguists argue whether the simplicity of the English language is the main reason for it becoming a global language.

The Latin script of the English language appears less complicated for people to recognize and learn. Also, the pronunciation of the English language is not as complex as other languages like Korean or Turkish for example.

Generally, the difficulty level of a language varies from person to person and it also depends on the culture to which one may belong. For example, a Korean person would find less difficulty in mastering the Japanese language in comparison to a German person. This is because of the close proximity of the Korean and Japanese cultures.

Due to the massive British colonial conquests , no culture is in complete oblivion of the English language or words. As such, English is a language that should not appear as too alien or strange to any community. Consequently, learning English is not such big of a deal for most people as they can find a certain level of familiarity with the language.

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The Effectiveness of the English Language

English is a very effective language and this is evident due to the presence of various native and non-native speakers on a global scale. Furthermore, according to statistics, one-fourth of the world is either fluent in the English language or content with it. While it’s true that the number of native Mandarin speakers is the greatest in the world, Mandarin is not the global language due to its complex spellings, grammar , and letter system.

The English language, on the other hand, does not suffer from such complexity problems. Furthermore, the English language has a lot of words and synonyms to express something. As such, any word or its meaning can be expressed with a high level of accuracy.

Conclusion of the Essay on English as a Global Language

English is certainly the most widely spoken language in the world by far. On a global scale, English has the most number of speakers, who speak English either as a first or second language. Without a doubt, no other language in the world can come close to English in terms of its immense popularity.

FAQs For Essay on English as a Global Language

Question 1: Why English is referred to as the global language?

Answer 1:  Many consider English as a global language because it is the one language that the majority of the population in almost every region of the world can speak and understand. Furthermore, the language enjoys worldwide acceptance and usage by every nation of the world. Therefore, it is an extremely essential global language.

Question 2: How English became the global language in the world?

Answer 2: By the late 18th century, the British Empire had made a lot of colonies. Moreover, they had established their geopolitical dominance all over the world. Consequently, the English language quickly spread in the British colonies.

There was also the contribution of technology, science, diplomacy, commerce, art, and formal education which led to English becoming a truly global language of the world.

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• Essay On English As A Global Language

English as a Global Language Essay

500 words essay on english as a global language.

Globally, English is the most popular language, spoken in almost all countries. According to the statistics, nearly half of the world’s population is well-versed in this language. It is proved by many native and non-native speakers that English is an efficient language worldwide. Moreover, compared to other languages, English is easier to learn. For example, unlike Chinese, the English alphabet has only 26 letters that form words, and several English words are borrowed from other languages.

English is the language of technology, so knowing English is necessary to make the best use of the internet. It also makes tourism easy, as it helps better understand the people. Also, any international meeting will probably be done in English. This essay will discuss why English is considered a global language.

Why Is English a Global Language?

English is considered a global language because it is spoken and understood at an international level by a wide variety of people. Globally, English has the most speakers who speak it either as a first or second language.

We can see a strong link between dominance and cultural power in languages. English, as a language, became famous because of its power base, whether political, economic or military.

English language derivation occurred from German, Latin, and other European languages. Due to this, Europeans don’t consider English a complex language to learn. Also, according to linguists, English became a global language due to its simplicity.

English script in Latin appears less complicated to learn and recognise by people. Also, like other languages such as Turkish or Korean, English pronunciation is not so complex and is easy to understand.

Generally, if we observe closely, the difficulty level of a particular language varies from person to person. It also depends on the culture the individual belongs to. For example, A person from Korea will find the Japanese language less complicated than a Britisher because of the similarities between Korean and Japanese cultures.

The language, English, should not be alien or unknown to any community. Learning English was not a big deal during British rule, as most people from different cultures became familiar with the language.

Future of English as a Global Language

Nowadays, primary-level to higher-level education mostly uses English as the medium of instruction.

The English language is considered a global language. So, in most countries, education will be delivered in English. Students will read and write their field of interest in English. The English language will replace the arts, culture and science stream of education.

Globally, education is provided in the English language, due to which all variations of research-based education and projects are based on this language. Scientific, technical and medical research all depend on the English language. Nowadays, research-based learning is imperative in all education streams, and the medium should be English.

To Access Knowledge

In the modern era of technology, people approach the internet to get information about the smallest things possible. So, gradually, the English language has proved its strong presence globally, and people have started to access related content written in the English language.

Informative Sources

All kinds of information are available in the form of books, newspapers, specific topic-based print content, etc. There are various resources available online as well, and they can be accessed for free.

Conclusion of the Essay on English as a Global Language

English is the most helpful language globally, and its “universal language” status proves that fact. Learning anything new can be time-consuming. However, irrespective of where you come from, learning English will open an array of opportunities for you.

It’s always good to learn a new language. English is the business language, so learning English will make the road ahead more accessible for you if you want to start a business. We can safely say that learning English will add value to your life with all that in mind.

From our BYJU’S website, students can learn CBSE Essays related to different topics. It will help students to get good marks in their upcoming exams.

Frequently Asked Questions on English as a Global Language Essay

Why is english considered a global language.

The majority of the world’s population can speak and understand the English language. Also, this language is considered easy to learn when compared to other languages.

How many countries have recognised English as the official language?

English is recognised as the official language in 67 different countries, as well as in 27 non-sovereign entities.

Who is the Father of the English language?

Geoffrey Chaucer, born sometime between the year 1340-1344, is known to be the Father of the English language.

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English As A Global Language Essay

In today's interconnected world, English has become the dominant global language. It's the language of business, diplomacy, and international relations. It's also the language of science and technology. Here are some sample essays on English as a global language.

100 Words Essay On English As A Global Language

English has become the global language because it has the ability to connect people from all corners of the world. When it comes to language, the world is changing. English has quickly become the global language of business, travel, and communication, and its importance is only expected to grow in the years to come.

One of the most important benefits of speaking English nowadays is that it enables you to be part of a global conversation. When you can understand and communicate with people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries, you open new doors to business opportunities, personal connections and more. It is the language of opportunity.

200 Words Essay On English As A Global Language

English has also become an essential tool for success in job markets around the world. Having good language skills often gives you a competitive edge over other candidates, as it allows you to communicate with customers or colleagues better. Additionally, many prestigious universities have begun offering courses taught entirely in English in order to attract international students from all over the world.

Overview of the Growing Significance of English

There are a number of reasons for the overgrowing significance of English as a language. For starters, English is the most widely spoken language in the world. It's spoken by more than 1.5 billion people, making it the most common second language in the world. And as more and more countries become connected through trade and technology, the demand for English speakers continues to rise.

But it's not just about numbers. English is also a very versatile language. It's capable of expressing a wide range of emotions and ideas, making it perfect for both business and travel. And thanks to its history as a colonial language, English also has a number of dialects and variants that make it easy to learn and be used in different parts of the world.

500 Words Essay On English As A Global Language

It is important for students to learn English and for people to continue to study and learn the English language. English is the language of the future.

Historical Influence of English

English has played an important role in world history, and its influence can be seen in many different aspects of society. This can be seen particularly in the field of business, where English is often the language of choice for conducting international transactions.

But English's role as a global language is not limited to the business world. It is also widely used in education, science, technology and entertainment. This growing significance of English has led to a number of debates on its impact on other languages and cultures. Some people argue that English is a threat to linguistic diversity, while others claim that it has actually helped to promote international understanding.

Benefits of Learning English As A Language

There are plenty of reasons to learn English, but here are some of the most important:

English is the most common global language. That means that if you know English, you can communicate with more people than any other language.

English is the language of business. If you want to work in a global company or do business with people from other countries, you need to be able to speak English.

English is the language of diplomacy. If you want to work in international relations or become a diplomat, you need to be fluent in English.

English is the language of science and technology. If you want to work in a technical field or study science, you need to know English.

The Positive Impact of English on Today’s Society

English is being used by more people in everyday communication than ever before. It also serves as a unifying factor between different cultural backgrounds and can pave the way for greater social understanding. In short, English has become ingrained in most aspects of our lives, regardless of where we are from or what language we may speak at home.

Challenges Faced by Non-Native English Speakers

When it comes to the challenges that non-native English speakers face, there are several. One is that some words and phrases may still be challenging to understand, even after extensive studying. Additionally, being able to properly pronounce and intonate these words and phrases can be even more difficult.

Maintaining an appropriate level of grammar and syntax while also using proper sentence structure and coherence is often difficult as well. Even with proper guidance, working around cultural and language barriers can be a challenge; this is especially true when it comes to translating ideas accurately in a language other than one’s native tongue.

Non-native English speakers may also struggle to find their own style of writing in order to make their work stand out from others. Different countries have different styles of expression, so finding a style that truly reflects your own unique voice can be difficult no matter how well-versed someone may be in the English language.

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Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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How the English Language Conquered the World

By Amy Chua

• Jan. 18, 2022

THE RISE OF ENGLISH Global Politics and the Power of Language By Rosemary Salomone

“Every time the question of language surfaces,” the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci wrote, “in one way or another a series of other problems are coming to the fore,” like “the enlargement of the governing class,” the “relationships between the governing groups and the national–popular mass” and the fight over “cultural hegemony.” Vindicating Gramsci, Rosemary Salomone’s “The Rise of English” explores the language wars being fought all over the world, revealing the political, economic and cultural stakes behind these wars, and showing that so far English is winning. It is a panoramic, endlessly fascinating and eye-opening book, with an arresting fact on nearly every page.

English is the world’s most widely spoken language, with some 1.5 billion speakers even though it’s native for fewer than 400 million. English accounts for 60 percent of world internet content and is the lingua franca of pop culture and the global economy. All 100 of the world’s most influential science journals publish in English. “Across Europe, close to 100 percent of students study English at some point in their education.”

Even in France, where countering the hegemony of English is an official obsession, English is winning. French bureaucrats constantly try to ban Anglicisms “such as gamer , dark web and fake news ,” Salomone writes, but their edicts are “quietly ignored.” Although a French statute called the Toubon Law “requires radio stations to play 35 percent French songs,” “the remaining 65 percent is flooded with American music.” Many young French artists sing in English. By law, French schoolchildren must study a foreign language, and while eight languages are available, 90 percent choose English.

Salomone, the Kenneth Wang professor of law at St. John’s University School of Law, tends to glide over why English won, simply stating that English is the language of neoliberalism and globalization, which seems to beg the question. But she is meticulous and nuanced in chronicling the battles being fought over language policy in countries ranging from Italy to Congo, and analyzing the unexpected winners and losers.

Exactly whom English benefits is complicated. Obviously it benefits native Anglophones. Americans, with what Salomone calls their “smug monolingualism,” are often blissfully unaware of the advantage they have because of the worldwide dominance of their native tongue. English also benefits globally connected market-dominant minorities in non-Western countries, like English-speaking whites in South Africa or the Anglophone Tutsi elite in Rwanda. In former French colonies like Algeria and Morocco, shifting from French to English is seen not just as the key to modernization, but as a form of resistance against their colonial past.

In India, the role of English is spectacularly complex. The ruling Hindu nationalist Indian People’s Party prefers to depict English as the colonizers’ language, impeding the vision of an India unified by Hindu culture and Hindi. By contrast, for speakers of non-Hindi languages and members of lower castes, English is often seen as a shield against majority domination. Some reformers see English as an “egalitarian language” in contrast to Indian languages, which carry “the legacy of caste.” English is also a symbol of social status. As a character in a recent Bollywood hit says: “English isn’t just a language in this country. It’s a class.” Meanwhile, Indian tiger parents, “from the wealthiest to the poorest,” press for their children to be taught in English, seeing it as the ticket to upward mobility.

Salomone’s South Africa chapter is among the most interesting in the book. Along with Afrikaans, English is one of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and even though only 9.6 percent of the population speak English as their first language, it “dominates every sector,” including government, the internet, business, broadcasting, the press, street signs and popular music. But English is not only the language of South Africa’s commercial and political elite. It was also the language of Black resistance to the Afrikaner-dominated apartheid regime, giving it enormous symbolic importance. Thus, recent years have seen poor and working-class Black activists pushing for English-only instruction in universities, even though many of them are not proficient in the language. Opponents of English, however, argue that shifting away from Afrikaans instruction disproportionately hurts the poor of all races, including lower-income Blacks, whites and mixed-race “colored” South Africans. Meanwhile, younger “colored activists are challenging the English-Afrikaans binary and exploring alternate forms of expression, like AfriKaaps,” a form of Afrikaans promoted by hip-hop artists. For now, though, “the constitutional commitment to language equality in South Africa is aspirational at best,” and “English reigns supreme for its economic power.”

Learning English pays, with “positive labor market returns across the globe.” Throughout academia today, even in Europe and Asia, “the rule no longer is ‘Publish or perish’ but rather ‘Publish in English … or perish.’” In the Middle East, “employees who were more proficient in English earned salaries from 5 percent (Tunisia) to a stunning 200 percent (Iraq) more than their non-English-speaking counterparts.” In Argentina, 90 percent of employers “believed that English was an indispensable skill for managers and directors.” In every country she surveys, higher income is correlated with English proficiency.

Salomone concludes with a brief discussion of American monolingualism, describing the waves of political angst over threats to English as the national language, while advocating for more multilingualism in Anglophone countries. Beyond the economic benefits of speaking multiple languages in a globalized world, Salomone cites studies that show learning new languages improves overall cognitive function. In addition, she argues, “observing life through a wide linguistic and cultural lens leads to greater creativity and innovation.”

“The Rise of English” has its weaknesses. Most important, the book lacks any clear thesis beyond suggesting “language is political; it’s complicated.” In addition, the book doesn’t tie together or reflect on the divergence of its case studies; I frequently found myself wondering why the experiences of (say) France or Italy or Denmark were different, and what we should take from that fact.

Finally, the book offers no clear evaluative framework. Salomone focuses primarily on straightforward economic factors (which often boil down to the same thing: access to global markets), but there is a smattering of underdeveloped discussion of other, more elusive themes too, like race, equity, colonialism and imperialism. This hodgepodge of incommensurables may trace back to the book’s origins. In her preface, Salomone writes, “My initial plan was to write a book on the value of language in the global economy.” But “the deeper I dug … the more I viewed the issues through a wider global lens and the clearer the connections to educational equity, identity and democratic participation appeared.” Unfortunately, she never quite gets a handle on these deeper issues.

Will Mandarin, with its 1.11 billion speakers, eventually replace English as the world’s lingua franca? Will Google or Microsoft Translate moot the issue? Salomone’s painstakingly thorough book addresses these questions too (concluding probably not).

The justifications for English — or any language — as a global lingua franca are based primarily in economic efficiency. By contrast, the reasons to protect local languages mostly sound in different registers — the importance of cultural heritage; the geopolitics of resistance to great powers; the value of Indigenous art; the beauty of idiosyncratic words in other languages that describe all the different types of snow or the different flavors of melancholia. As Gramsci reminded us, the question of who speaks what language invariably puts all this on the table.

Amy Chua is the John M. Duff Jr. professor of law at Yale Law School and the author of “World on Fire: How Exporting Free Market Democracy Breeds Ethnic Hatred and Global Instability” and “Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations.”

THE RISE OF ENGLISH Global Politics and the Power of Language By Rosemary Salomone 488 pp. Oxford University Press. $35.

English as a Global Language

Global English, World English, and the Rise of English as a Lingua Franca

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In Shakespeare 's time, the number of English speakers in the world is thought to have been between five and seven million. According to linguist David Crystal, "Between the end of the reign of Elizabeth I (1603) and the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth II (1952), this figure increased almost fiftyfold, to around 250 million" ( The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language , 2003). It's a common language used in international business, which makes it a popular second language for many.

How Many Languages Are There?

There are roughly 6,500 languages spoken in the world today. About 2,000 of them have fewer than 1,000 speakers. While the British empire did help spread the language globally it's only the third most commonly spoken language in the world. Mandarin and Spanish are the two most commonly spoken languages on Earth. 

From How Many Other Languages Has English Borrowed Words?

English is jokingly referred to as a language thief because of it has incorporated words from over 350 other languages into it. The majority of these "borrowed" words are latin or from one of the Romance languages.

How Many People in the World Today Speak English?

Roughly 500 million people in the world are native English speakers . Another 510 million people speak English as a second language , which means that there are more people who speak English along with their native language than there are native English speakers.

In How Many Countries Is English Taught as a Foreign Language?

English is taught as a foreign language in over 100 countries. It's considered the language of business which makes it a popular choice for a second language. English language teachers are often paid very well in countries like China and Dubai.

What Is the Most Widely Used English Word?

"The form OK or okay is probably the most intensively and widely used (and borrowed) word in the history of the language. Its many would-be etymologists have traced it variously to Cockney, French, Finnish, German, Greek, Norwegian, Scots, several African languages, and the Native American language Choctaw, as well as a number of personal names. All are imaginative feats without documentary support." (Tom McArthur, The Oxford Guide to World English . Oxford University Press, 2002)

How Many Countries in the World Have English as Their First Language?

"This is a complicated question, as the definition of 'first language' differs from place to place, according to each country’s history and local circumstances. The following facts illustrate the complexities:

"Australia, Botswana, the Commonwealth Caribbean nations, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States have English as either a de facto or statutory official language. In Cameroon and Canada, English shares this status with French; and in the Nigerian states, English and the main local language are official. In Fiji, English is the official language with Fijian; in Lesotho with Sesotho; in Pakistan with Urdu; in the Philippines with Filipino; and in Swaziland with Siswati. In India, English is an associate official language (after Hindi), and in Singapore English is one of four statutory official languages. In South Africa, English [is] the main national language—but just one of eleven official languages.

"In all, English has official or special status in at least 75 countries (with a combined population of two billion people). It is estimated that one out of four people worldwide speak English with some degree of competence." (Penny Silva, "Global English." AskOxford.com, 2009)

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Essay on English as a Global Language

Students are often asked to write an essay on English as a Global Language in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on English as a Global Language

Introduction.

English is a globally recognized language. It’s spoken in many countries, making it a key communication tool.

Global Reach

English is spoken in over 100 countries. It’s the official language of many nations and international organizations.

Language of the Internet

Most content on the internet is in English. This makes it important for accessing knowledge.

Business Language

English is the standard language for international business. It helps in trade and commerce across borders.

Many educational books and research papers are published in English. It’s a must-know language for students.

English, as a global language, bridges gaps between cultures. It’s a powerful tool for global communication and understanding.

Also check:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of English as a Global Language

250 Words Essay on English as a Global Language

The emergence of english as a global language.

English, originating from a small island nation, has transformed into a global language. This phenomenon is not accidental, but rather a result of historical, economic, and technological factors. The British Empire’s vast expanse during the colonial era disseminated English to all corners of the globe, laying the groundwork for its global acceptance.

English and Globalization

The rise of globalization has further propelled English to its current status. As the language of science, technology, and business, English proficiency is often equated with economic opportunity. Multinational corporations, international institutions, and the internet predominantly use English, reinforcing its global significance.

The Lingua Franca of the Digital Age

The digital age has also played a crucial role in the dominance of English. The internet, a largely English-language medium, has democratized access to information and connected diverse cultures. English, thus, serves as a bridge, fostering global communication and collaboration.

Implications and Challenges

Despite its benefits, the global dominance of English has implications. It risks overshadowing local languages and cultures, potentially leading to linguistic homogenization. Furthermore, non-native speakers may face barriers to participation in global discourse.

In conclusion, English’s status as a global language is a double-edged sword. While it promotes global communication, it also presents challenges. Acknowledging these complexities is crucial for a more inclusive global society.

500 Words Essay on English as a Global Language

English, a language that originated from a small island, has now become a global lingua franca. It has permeated various spheres of human activity, including commerce, science, technology, and culture, becoming an indispensable tool for international communication.

The rise of English as a global language is closely tied to the expansion of British colonial rule during the 19th century. As Britain established colonies around the world, the English language was disseminated and adopted by the local populations. However, the true globalisation of English began in the 20th century, primarily due to two factors: the economic dominance of the United States and the advent of the internet.

The Dominance of the United States

Post World War II, the United States emerged as a global economic powerhouse. American corporations expanded their operations worldwide, and with this expansion, English became the de facto language of global business. Moreover, the US’s cultural influence, manifested through Hollywood movies, popular music, and later, digital platforms like Netflix and YouTube, has further entrenched English in global popular culture.

The Advent of the Internet

The digital revolution has been another catalyst for the global spread of English. As the internet was born and developed in English-speaking countries, English became the principal language of the digital realm. Today, a significant portion of online content, including websites, forums, and social media platforms, is in English, making it a prerequisite for digital literacy.

English and Education

English has also become the language of academia. It is the medium of instruction in numerous universities worldwide, and a vast majority of scientific research is published in English. Consequently, proficiency in English is often seen as a pathway to educational and professional opportunities.

Implications of English as a Global Language

While the global dominance of English has facilitated international communication, it has also raised concerns. Critics argue that linguistic diversity is under threat, as smaller languages struggle to survive in the shadow of English. Furthermore, the dominance of English may perpetuate social inequality, as those without access to English education may be left behind in a globalised world.

In conclusion, English has undeniably established itself as a global language, driven by historical, economic, and technological factors. While its global status offers clear benefits, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed. As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that the spread of English does not come at the expense of linguistic diversity and social equity.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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English as a global language

The advantages provided by English as a global language will continue to outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree with the statement?

The Essay Marked by the student

As the global communication expands throughout the world, so does the need for a global language. English has become the lingua franca in many parts of the world. This essay will discuss the merits and demerits caused by English as a global language.

English is a very effective language as it is proved by the native and non-native speakers all over the world. Statistics suggest that nearly half of the world population is familiar with this language. Moreover, English is easier to learn than any other language. For example, unlike Chinese, English has only 26 alphabets which put together to form words. Adding to that, a number of English words are borrowed from many other languages and many English words are adopted in other languages and are used as part of their own language. Furthermore, English is the language of technology. To make the best use of internet knowing English is necessary. Also, any international meeting will be probably done in English. It also makes tourism easy, as it helps in better understanding among the people.

However, many fear that English as a global language would result in the extinction of local cultures which are inter related with regional languages. Moreover, it is bounded to be divided into dialects. Another drawback is that the works of many authors and writers who are belonging to different territories become incomprehensible.

In conclusion, I believe that there are more advantages than disadvantages in globalizing English language. In future, the demand for English would rise as more number of people are learning this language and would decrease the nation barrier.

Essay Evaluation of the given article

Objective: Band 7.0

• The author has showcased the advantages and disadvantages of adopting English as a global language.
• The word count is 264 i.e. well within the prescribed limits of 250-270 words.
• The essay has been divided into an introduction, two paragraphs on the advantages, disadvantages, and a final conclusion.  

Coherence: Band 4.0

• Two to three sentences are long and incoherent.  

Incorrect: “As the global communication expands throughout the world, so does the need for a global language.”

Correct: “In the landscape of global communication, there comes the need for a global language.”

Incorrect: “English is a very effective language as it is proved by the native and non-native speakers all over the world”

Correct: “English is a very effective language as it is widely spoken by  the native and non-native speakers all over the world”

Incorrect: “For example, unlike Chinese, English has only 26 alphabets which put together to form words.”

Correct: “For example, unlike Chinese, English has only 26 alphabets which put together can form a sea of words.”

Incorrect: “Furthermore, English is the language of technology.”

Correct: “Moreover, English is a technical language.”

Grammar: Band 6.0

• Appropriate usage of models, punctuations.

Incorrect: “In future, the demand for English would rise as more number of people are learning this language and would decrease the nation barrier.”

Correct: “In future, the demand for English will rise as more people are learning this language and this is likely to erase the existing barriers.”

Incorrect: “To make the best use of internet knowing English is necessary.”

Correct: “To make the best use of the internet, knowing English is necessary.”

Vocabulary: 6.0

• This essay presents a decent range of vocabulary but still better can be done.

Overall Band: 6

Sample essay submitted post Essay Evaluation

 This essay will attempt to present the benefits and drawbacks while providing a conclusion.

English as a language has brought humanity closer.  Further, the advent of English has bridged physical distances and lot of tourism flourishes primarily because of accessibility and removal of a language barrier.

H owever, the invasion of English is not bereft of drawbacks.  This has impacted the local culture and tradition. So, since these are very closely linked to the regional languages.  The local vernacular is dying a natural death since there are no takers for it.  Even the priceless literature work by maestros in local languages is not getting due acknowledgment and credit. Since very little is left of the population who understand the language.  For instance, several regional classics are getting lost since the youngsters are not interested in reading them due to regional language challenges.

Going by the above views, it will be good to continue with English as a global language. Also, the future generations will be able to enjoy the best of both the worlds.

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History of English

English as a Global Language

What is a Global Language?

There is no official definition of “global” or “world” language, but it essentially refers to a language that is learned and spoken internationally, and is characterized not only by the number of its native and second language speakers, but also by its geographical distribution, and its use in international organizations and in diplomatic relations. A global language acts as a “lingua franca”, a common language that enables people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to communicate on a more or less equitable basis.

Historically, the essential factor for the establishment of a global language is that it is spoken by those who wield power. Latin was the lingua franca of its time, although it was only ever a minority language within the Roman Empire as a whole. Crucially, though, it was the language of the powerful leaders and administrators and of the Roman military – and, later, of the ecclesiastical power of the Roman Catholic Church – and this is what drove its rise to (arguably) global language status. Thus, language can be said to have no independent existence of its own, and a particular language only dominates when its speakers dominate (and, by extension, fails when the people who speak it fail).

The influence of any language is a combination of three main things: the number of countries using it as their first language or mother-tongue, the number of countries adopting it as their official language, and the number of countries teaching it as their foreign language of choice in schools. The intrinsic structural qualities of a language, the size of its vocabulary, the quality of its literature throughout history, and its association with great cultures or religions, are all important factors in the popularity of any language. But, at base, history shows us that a language becomes a global language mainly due to the political power of its native speakers, and the economic power with which it is able to maintain and expand its position.

Why is a Global Language Needed?

It is often argued that the modern “global village” needs a “global language”, and that (particularly in a world of modern communications, globalized trade and easy international travel) a single lingua franca has never been more important. With the advent since 1945 of large international bodies such as the United Nations and its various offshoots – the UN now has over 50 different agencies and programs from the World Bank, World Health Organization and UNICEF to more obscure arms like the Universal Postal Union – as well as collective organizations such as the Commonwealth and the European Union, the pressure to establish a worldwide lingua franca has never been greater. As just one example of why a lingua franca is useful, consider that up to one-third of the administration costs of the European Community is taken up by translations into the various member languages.

Some have seen a planned or constructed language as a solution to this need. In the short period between 1880 and 1907, no less than 53 such “universal artificial languages” were developed. By 1889, the constructed language Volapük claimed nearly a million adherents, although it is all but unknown to day. Today the best known is Esperanto, a deliberately simplified language, with just 16 rules, no definite articles, no irregular endings and no illogical spellings. A sentence like “It is often argued that the modern world needs a common language with which to communicate” would be rendered in Esperanto as “Oni ofte argumentas ke la moderna mondo bezonas komuna linguon por komunikado”, not difficult to understand for anyone with even a smattering of Romance languages.

Many of these universal languages (including Esperanto) were specifically developed with the view in mind that a single world language would automatically lead to world peace and unity. Setting aside for now the fact that such languages have never gained much traction, it has to be said this assumption is not necessarily well-founded. For instance, historically, many wars have broken out within communities of the same language (e.g. the British and American Civil Wars, the Spanish Civil War, Vietnam, former Yugoslavia, etc) and, on the other hand, the citizens of some countries with multiple languages (e.g. Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, etc) manage to coexist, on the whole, quite peaceably.

Is a Global Language Necessarily “A Good Thing”?

While its advantages are self-evident, there are some legitimate concerns that a dominant global language could also have some built-in drawbacks. Among these may be the following:

• There is a risk that the increased adoption of a global language may lead to the weakening and eventually the disappearance of some minority languages (and, ultimately, it is feared, ALL other languages). It is estimated that up to 80% of the world’s 6,000 or so living languages may die out within the next century, and some commentators believe that a too-dominant global language may be a major contributing factor in this trend. However, it seem likely that this is really only a direct threat in areas where the global language is the natural first language (e.g. North America, Australia, Celtic parts of Britain, etc). Conversely, there is also some evidence that the very threat of subjugation by a dominant language can actually galvanize and strengthen movements to support and protect minority languages (e.g. Welsh in Wales, French in Canada).
• There is concern that natural speakers of the global language may be at an unfair advantage over those who are operating in their second, or even third, language.
• The insistence on one language to the exclusion of others may also be seen as a threat to freedom of speech and to the ideals of multiculturalism.
• Another potential pitfall is linguistic complacency on the part of natural speakers of a global language, a laziness and arrogance resulting from the lack of motivation to learn other languages. Arguably, this can already be observed in many Britons and Americans.

Is English a Global Language?

As can be seen in more detail in the section on English Today , on almost any basis, English is the nearest thing there has ever been to a global language. Its worldwide reach is much greater than anything achieved historically by Latin or French, and there has never been a language as widely spoken as English. Many would reasonably claim that, in the fields of business, academics, science, computing, education, transportation, politics and entertainment, English is already established as the de facto lingua franca.

The UN, the nearest thing we have, or have ever had, to a global community, currently uses five official languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese, and an estimated 85% of international organizations have English as at least one of their official languages (French comes next with less than 50%). Even more starkly, though, about one third of international organizations (including OPEC, EFTA and ASEAN) use English only, and this figure rises to almost 90% among Asian international organizations.

As we have seen, a global language arises mainly due to the political and economic power of its native speakers. It was British imperial and industrial power that sent English around the globe between the 17th and 20th Century. The legacy of British imperialism has left many counties with the language thoroughly institutionalized in their courts, parliament, civil service, schools and higher education establishments. In other counties, English provides a neutral means of communication between different ethnic groups.

But it has been largely American economic and cultural supremacy – in music, film and television; business and finance; computing, information technology and the Internet; even drugs and pornography – that has consolidated the position of the English language and continues to maintain it today. American dominance and influence worldwide makes English crucially important for developing international markets, especially in the areas of tourism and advertising, and mastery of English also provides access to scientific, technological and academic resources which would otherwise be denied developing countries.

Is English Appropriate for a Global Language?

Some have also argued that there are other intrinsic features of the English language that set it apart, and make it an appropriate choice as a global language, and it may be worthwhile investigating some of these claims:

• The richness and depth of English’s vocabulary sets it apart from other languages. The 1989 revised “Oxford English Dictionary” lists 615,000 words in 20 volumes, officially the world’s largest dictionary. If technical and scientific words were to be included, the total would rise to well over a million. By some estimates, the English lexicon is currently increasing by over 8,500 words a year, although other estimates put this as high as 15,000 to 20,000. It is estimated that about 200,000 English words are in common use, as compared to 184,000 in German, and mere 100,000 in French. The availability of large numbers of synonyms allows shades of distinction that are just not available to non-English speakers and, although other languages have books of synonyms, none has anything on quite the scale of “Roget’s Thesaurus” . Add to this the wealth of English idioms and phrases, and the available material with which to express meaning is truly prodigious, whether the intention is poetry, business or just everyday conversation.
• It is a very flexible language. One example of this is in respect of word order and the ability to phrase sentences as active or passive (e.g. I kicked the ball , or the ball was kicked by me ). Another is in the ability to use the same word as both a noun and a verb (such as drink , fight , silence , etc). New words can easily be created by the addition of prefixes or suffixes (e.g. brightness , fixation , unintelligible , etc), or by compounding or fusing existing words together (e.g. airport , seashore , footwear , etc). Just how far English’s much-vaunted flexibility should go (or should be allowed to go) is a hotly-debated topic, though. For example, should common but incorrect usages (e.g. disinterested to mean uninterested ; infer to mean imply ; forego to mean forgo ; flout to mean flaunt ; fortuitous to mean fortunate ; etc) be accepted as part of the natural evolution of the language, or reviled as inexcusable sloppiness which should be summarily nipped in the bud?
• Its grammar is generally simpler than most languages. It dispenses completely with noun genders (hence, no dithering between le plume or la plume , or between el mano or la mano ), and often dispenses with the article completely (e.g. It is time to go to bed ). The distinction between familiar and formal addresses were abandoned centuries ago (the single English word you has seven distinct choices in German: du , dich , dir , Sie , Ihnen , Ihr and euch ). Case forms for nouns are almost non-existent (with the exception of some personal pronouns like I / me / mine , he / him / his , etc), as compared to Finnish, for example, which has fifteen forms for every noun, or Russian which has 12. In German, each verb has 16 different forms (Latin has a possible 120!), while English only retains 5 at most (e.g. ride , rides , rode , riding , ridden ) and often only requires 3 (e.g. hit , hits , hitting ).
• Some would also claim that it is also a relatively simple language in terms of spelling and pronunciation, although this claim is perhaps more contentious. While it does not require mastery of the subtle tonal variations of Cantonese, nor the bewildering consonant clusters of Welsh or Gaelic, it does have more than its fair share of apparently random spellings, silent letters and phonetic inconsistencies (consider, for example, the pronunciation of the “ou” in thou , though , thought , through , thorough , tough , plough and hiccough , or the “ea” in head , heard , bean , beau and beauty ). There are somewhere between 44 and 52 unique sounds used in English pronunciation (depending on the authority consulted), almost equally divided between vowel sounds and consonants, as compared to 26 in Italian, for example, or just 13 in Hawaiian. This includes some sounds which are notoriously difficult for foreigners to pronounce (such as “th”, which also comes in two varieties, as in thought and though , or in mouth as a noun and mouth as a verb), and some sounds which have a huge variety of possible spellings (such as the sound “sh”, which can be written as in shoe , sugar , passion , ambitious , ocean , champagne , etc, or the long “o” which can be spelled as in go , show , beau , sew , doe , though , depot , etc). In its defence, though, its consonants at least are fairly regular in pronunciation, and it is blessedly free of the accents and diacritical marks which festoon many other languages. Also, its borrowings of foreign words tend to preserve the original spelling (rather than attempting to spell them phonetically). It has been estimated that 84% of English spellings conform to general patterns or rules, while only 3% are completely unpredictable (3% of a very large vocabulary is, however, still quite a large number, and this includes such extraordinary examples as colonel , ache , eight , etc). Arguably, some of the inconsistencies do help to distinguish between homophones like fissure and fisher ; seas and seize ; air and heir ; aloud and allowed ; weather and whether ; chants and chance ; flu , flue and flew ; reign , rein and rain ; etc.
• Some argue that the cosmopolitan character of English (from its adoption of thousands of words from other languages with which it came into contact) gives it a feeling of familiarity and welcoming compared to many other languages (such as French, for example, which has tried its best to keep out other languages).
• Despite a tendency towards jargon, English is generally reasonably concise compared to many languages, as can be seen in the length of translations (a notable exception is Hebrew translations, which are usually shorter than their English equivalents by up to a third). It is also less prone to misunderstandings due to cultural subtleties than, say, Japanese, which is almost impossible to simultaneously translate for that reason.
• The absence of coding for social differences (common in many other languages which distinguish between formal and informal verb forms and sometimes other more complex social distinctions) may make English seem more democratic and remove some of the potential stress associated with language-generated social blunders.
• The extent and quality of English literature throughout history marks it as a language of culture and class. As a result, it carries with it a certain legitimacy, substance and gravitas that few other languages can match.

On balance, though, the intrinsic appeal of English as a world language is probably overblown and specious, and largely based on chauvinism or naïveté . It is unlikely that linguistic factors are of great importance in a language’s rise to the status of world language, and English’s position today is almost entirely due to the aforementioned political and economic factors.

What About The Future?

Although English currently appears to be in an unassailable position in the modern world, its future as a global language is not necessarily assured. In the Middle Ages, Latin seemed forever set as the language of education and culture, as did French in the 18th Century. But circumstances change, and there are several factors which might precipitate such a change once again.

There are two competing drives to take into account: the pressure for international intelligibility, and the pressure to preserve national identity. It is possible that a natural balance may be achieved between the two, but it should also be recognized that the historical loyalties of British ex-colonies have been largely replaced by pragmatic utilitarian reasoning.

The very dominance of an outside language or culture can lead to a backlash or reaction against it. People do not take kindly to having a language imposed on them, whatever advantage and value that language may bring to them. As long ago as 1908, Mahatma Gandhi said, in the context of colonial India: “To give millions a knowledge of English is to enslave them”. Although most former British colonies retained English as an official language after independence, some (e.g. Tanzania, Kenya, Malaysia) later deliberately rejected the old colonial language as a legacy of oppression and subjugation, disestablishing English as even a joint official language. Even today, there is a certain amount of resentment in some countries towards the cultural dominance of English, and particularly of the USA.

As has been discussed, there is a close link between language and power. The USA, with its huge dominance in economic, technical and cultural terms, is the driving force behind English in the world today. However, if the USA were to lose its position of economic and technical dominance, then the “language loyalties” of other countries may well shift to the new dominant power. Currently, perhaps the only possible candidate for such a replacement would be China, but it is not that difficult to imagine circumstances in which it could happen.

A change in population (and population growth) trends may prove to be an influential factor. The increasing Hispanic population of the USA has, in the opinion of some commentators, already begun a dilution of the “Englishness” of the country, which may in turn have repercussions for the status of the English language abroad. Hispanic and Latino Americans have accounted for almost half of America’s population growth in recent years, and their share of the population is expected to increase from about 16% today to around 30% by 2050. Some even see the future possibility of a credible secessionist movement, similar to that for an independent Quebec in Canada, and there has been movements within the US Republican party (variously called “English First” or “Official English” or “US English”) to make English the nation’s official language in an attempt to reduce the significance of Spanish. Official policies of bilingualism or multilingualism in countries with large minority language groups, such as are in place in countries like Canada, Belgium and Switzerland, are an expensive option and fraught with political difficulties, which the USA would prefer to avoid.

A 2006 report by the British Council suggests that the number of people learning English is likely to continue to increase over the next 10-15 years, peaking at around 2 billion, after which a decline is predicted. Various attempts have been made to develop a simpler “controlled” English language suitable for international usage (e.g. Basic English, Plain English, Globish, International English, Special English, Essential World English, etc). Increasingly, the long-term future of English as a global language probably lies in the hands of Asia, and especially the huge populations of India and China.

Having said that, though, there may now be a critical mass of English speakers throughout the world which may make its continued growth impossible to stop or even slow. There are no comparable historical precedents on which to base predictions, but it well may be that the emergence of English as a global language is a unique, even an irreversible, event.

Richard is an English teacher with over 25 years of experience. He has dedicated his life and career to his passion for English, literature, and pedagogy, guiding multiple generations of students on their journey to discovery.

British Council

In our rapidly changing world what is the future of the English language?

By mina patel, assessment research manager, british council, 18 april 2023 - 16:54.

English is one of the most spoken languages in the world, but what will English look like in the future? Here Mina Patel, one of the authors of the new British Council publication ‘The Future of English: Global Perspectives’, looks at how English, its teaching, assessment and use in business will be affected in a rapidly changing world.

People ask: what’s so important about English? The answer is simple, English connects people and changes lives. English changed my life. I arrived in England at the age of four as a refugee from Uganda. I couldn’t speak a word of English. Today I am one of the authors of the British Council’s newest publication, The Future of English: Global Perspectives. I was lucky. I was inspired at school, had wonderful teachers, and they instilled in me a passion for learning and teaching. I have been in English language education for many years and English has connected me to thousands of people around the world. 

The Future of English: Global Perspectives is part of a long-term research programme, which identifies key trends that will define the role of English as a global language in the coming decade. It also examines the issues and opportunities for countries around the world in achieving their goals for the use of English. 

The publication describes the programme and presents the findings from discussions with 92 policy makers and influencers from 49 countries and territories during 14 roundtables, about what they see as the future of English. From these conversations, eight themes emerged, themes that we believe will have an impact on the future of English in the coming years. So, what are the global perspectives about the future of English and what does the data tell us?

Will English remain the world’s most sought-after language?

For the foreseeable future English will remain the dominant global lingua franca (a language used by people with different native languages to communicate with each other), but the role it plays in the lives of individuals or in policies will begin to change. 

Numbers of learners will remain stable or rise in the next ten years. The main drivers for this are education, employment, technology and global mobility. Employers, parents and learners themselves are driving the need for English language education. They see it as a necessity for success in life, learning and employment. 

What role will English play in our multilingual world?

Multilingualism is the norm in most contexts around the world. Exploration, colonialisation, migration, and globalisation have all contributed to today’s multilingual world. 

English is often one of the languages used in multilingual situations where everyday communication is managed by individuals using their full range of languages organically and fluidly – a practice known as ‘translanguaging’.

One implication for English is that it increasingly ‘belongs’ (in the sense that any language can belong to anybody) to whoever uses it, in whatever form, to interact successfully in any given context. 

What is the future of English as a medium of education?

English as a medium of education (EME), also called English as a medium of instruction is when students are taught subjects in English, regardless of their first language. It is hugely popular in some contexts and is driven by governments and parents that see it as a good way to achieve fluency in English, so improving the chances of students getting a good job in the future.  

Universities which teach courses in English - with lectures, course materials and tutorials all given in English - are now very common. Primary and secondary schools where English is the main language of teaching and learning are also becoming more popular.  However, EME is a topic of much discussion and debate.

How will teachers remain relevant in future English language learning systems?

Our data tells us that teachers are very much at the heart of the teaching and learning process and the education system. Regardless of the technological shifts during the Pandemic, teachers are very important. However, in some places in the world, there are concerns about capacity with two main questions being asked. Are there enough English teachers and are there enough skilled English teachers?

Linked to this is teacher motivation and well-being. If English is considered a valuable and important skill for a nation’s educational, professional and economic success, then it follows that English language teachers should be looked after, supported, developed and rewarded to reflect the significance of their contribution to society. 

Public and private English language provision - who has the answers?

This is an interesting question, and although private language education provision can be better, our participants were concerned about the lack of monitoring and evaluation of private language provision.  

That said, public-sector provision of English language teaching is inadequate in many countries, often featuring inappropriate or outdated curricula.

It is likely that the answers to better quality provision in both sectors lie in greater cross-sector communication and collaboration.

Can English language assessment meet stakeholders’ changing needs?

People require different types of proficiency for different tasks in different contexts. This has implications for teaching, learning and assessment (TLA), particularly as we expect that aligning these components will continue to be of interest in the future.

English is no longer seen in isolation. Instead, it is seen as part of a range of knowledge, skills and expertise, captured by the concept of 21st-century skills and required for a dynamic globalised world. This presents two challenges for current assessment practices:

• Assessment needs to be more creative and innovative to develop and measure individuals more holistically.

• Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) needs to be considered more seriously and concepts of LAL need to adapt to be relevant in this changing assessment landscape.

Can technology narrow the equity gap in English language education?

While there are significant advantages to using technology to aid learning, both in and outside the classroom, these advantages have not always been built upon. This is because uptake and success depend on several factors:

• Access to hardware, such as TV, radio, computers, smartphones and the Internet.

• Teacher skills and motivation to support learning.

• Stakeholder support (within the education system and at home).

• Inclusion in modern curricula of recognition of informal learning (typically online).

The reality is that in many cases there are significant disparities in access across communities. This ‘digital divide’ can have social, educational and economic repercussions for those affected.

It is important to note that in many developing or rural places, technology doesn’t just mean mobile devices, it also means televisions and radios.

To what extent is employment driving the future of English?

The world of work has changed. Globalisation, together with advances in technology, has changed the way many companies operate and the skills required by employees. Previously technical skills in specific areas were highly sought after, now employers are looking for ‘all-round’ employees who can combine technical expertise with additional skills, including teamworking, problem-solving, negotiation, intercultural awareness and digital literacy. 

Multilingual and multicultural workforces are not uncommon, whether people are working remotely or in the same location. English is often the lingua franca and sometimes the official language of business as chosen by organisations. The very concept of international, dispersed teams changes and expands the parameters of English for work. 

English is becoming a requirement for all sectors of industry. At all levels in organisations and all over the world, English at work is no longer only for professional jobs or senior management roles – it has increasingly become necessary for lower-skilled jobs in the tourism and retail sectors. As cited in a previous British Council study, ‘even if English is one of the working languages in a major multinational company, the English proficiency requirement differs from role to role’ 

All these factors have led to the notion of proficiency, as we know it, being re-defined.

As the data shows, the future of English is interesting, dynamic and contextual but there are still many questions. The future of English programme is an invitation for colleagues and partners to collaborate to try and answer some of these questions.  We’re living in exciting times, change is the norm, but for the foreseeable future, English will continue to connect people and change lives. 

Find out more about our Future of English programme and download a free copy of the book Future of English: Global Perspectives.

You might also be interested in:.

• Ten statements about the Future of ELT - the hidden messages from the ELTons finalists
• The British and their secret language regrets
• How to help your students speak with clarity

View the discussion thread.

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How English’s Global Dominance Fails Us

B ack in 2012, in an op-ed for the New York Times , former Harvard president Lawrence Summers questioned whether the “substantial investment” to learn another language was “universally worthwhile” given rapidly changing machine translation and the “fragmentation of languages” worldwide. Over time, he said, mastering a language would become “less essential in doing business in Asia, treating patients in Africa, or helping resolve conflicts in the Middle East.” 

The subsequent years of globalization , mass migration , and geopolitical conflicts have proven Summers dead wrong. Although AI generated translation has become increasingly accurate, it lacks the essential human element and the cultural sensitivity that comes with learning a language. And while English has continued to be the favored lingua franca in many parts of the world, other languages like Chinese and Spanish are increasingly chipping away at its dominance. English, long considered the primary language for business, has never been as universal or sufficient as conventionally believed.

As the world’s economy has become increasingly globalized, employers across sectors, from multinationals to small businesses and government agencies, now look for workers with multiple language skills. That leaves much of the monolingual Anglosphere at a major disadvantage.

The indifference, or resistance, among native English speakers to learning other languages is a recurring topic of finger-pointing and handwringing among globally aware policymakers. Across the English-speaking world, commentators decry the “ foreign language deficit ” and the failure of countries to prepare young people for the global economy. Data from the U.S. is especially revealing. Though U.S. students are enrolling in study-abroad programs in record numbers, most of them opt to take classes and even entire degree programs offered in English, a growing possibility especially in European universities.

With the exception of Korean in part for K-pop appeal , enrollment in language courses, from elementary school through college , is steadily declining. Some higher education institutions have dropped foreign languages as a condition for admission or permit students to “ test out ” of coursework if they can demonstrate proficiency. Some have nearly eviscerated their foreign language programs. Most recently, West Virginia University’s decision to ax all foreign language degrees made national headlines. The irony is that many universities are embracing an international mission, opening campuses abroad, recruiting students from other countries, and claiming to prepare citizens of the world. The apparent assumption is that the world speaks English.

That assumption rings hollow on the facts. Only one-quarter of the world’s population has some degree of competence in English. Even those who claim conversational skills often don’t operate at a high level of proficiency. And so monolingual English speakers cannot communicate with three-quarters of the world, nor can they tap into knowledge created in those languages. Beyond the limits this may place on their career and business opportunities, it can also make English-speakers more politically and culturally isolated, by leaving them unable to access how the world digests their politics or fully understand newsworthy developments abroad. Print and broadcast media—and increasingly web content too—speak in many voices and worldviews.

Read More: The Internet Is Changing the English Language. Is That a Good Thing?

Unlike the Anglosphere, most of the world is at least bilingual, with English often in the mix. That is true within E.U. countries, partly the result of migration and partly encouraged by education policies, as well as the vast store of intersecting languages in postcolonial countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Many people in these countries continue to choose adding English to their diverse linguistic repertoire. That’s why English today has 1.5 billion speakers worldwide, compared to around 1.1 billion for Mandarin Chinese, 600 million for Hindi, and 550 million for Spanish. That’s despite English ranking behind Mandarin Chinese and Spanish in the number of speakers for whom the language is the first one learned.

To what degree the decision to learn English is a matter of choice, chance, or expediency varies widely within and between countries. The same can be said for English speaking countries, where the study of languages as well as study abroad opportunities are unequally available depending on race and socioeconomic factors. A form of “elite multilingualism” with English as a key component is spreading worldwide and leaving many native English speakers on the sidelines.

It is not unreasonable to foresee another lingua franca pushing English aside someday. Spanish, spoken on five major continents, might prove to be the most viable successor. In the meantime, rather than reveling in English’s dominance or tolerating it as a necessary evil, key decision makers should accept English as a core component of multilingualism and decisively move toward educating informed citizens who can transcend linguistic and cultural borders. It’s a message the Anglosphere most needs to hear.

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Global English Language Development Essay

Introduction, people who speak english across the world, causes of the global spread of english, beneficiaries of the global english, how english got to where it is today, advantages and disadvantage of the global spread of english.

Global English refers to the use of English language as the main means of communication, irrespective of its dialects. It also implies the process of using the English language as the standard mode of communication among global communities. Alternatively referred to as common English, general English, or universal English, global English implies the collective varieties of English language that people speak across the word. While studying how global English has spread across the word, differentiation of its dialects such as the American English, Australian English, and Britain English among others is important.

The need to facilitate trade has led to the deliberate universal spread of the English language. Although global English may suggest the standardisation of the language as a means of communication across the globe, there lacks consensus towards such a possibility. Although there have been proposals on how to internationalise English to ensure its higher accessibility among people from different nations, some steps such as the development of Basic English have incredibly failed. Major challenges emerge in the process of harmonising spellings and pronunciation of words. As the paper reveals, irrespective of the dialect, the number of people who speak the English language across the world continues to rise.

English constitutes one of the major languages that are spoken around the world. Yoshikawa (2005, p.354) states that it is spoken in nations such as ‘the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and various Caribbean, and Pacific island nations.’ Indeed, English has been declared the national language in countries such as Singapore, Pakistan, Philippines, and some sub–Saharan African nations that include Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda among other nations. However, in these nations, it does not imply that 100% of the population can fluently communicate in it.

Thus, determining the exact number of its speakers across the globe is problematic. While the census figures in nations where it is widely spoken may provide a more accurate approach to determining the precise number of its speakers, such figures approximate the population size. Nevertheless, not all people in the above-mentioned nations speak in it.

From the above expositions, all attempts to determine the number of English speakers across the word involves making approximations. Ethnologue (2015) informs that by 2014, English language had about 400 million speakers in 8 nations among them the US, South Africa, New Zealand, and the UK. Saville-Troike (2006) approximates that about 1.4 billion people speak English. Approximately 950 million individuals speak it as a second language while about 427 million are its native speakers. Why do people converse using the language?

People speak English to exchange ideas, opinions, feelings, and any other aspect of expression. The idea that people use English because of higher probabilities of getting the audience to understand it encounters immense criticism. For example, Saville-Troike (2006) claims that no statistical findings have been established to indicate precisely that the English language is the most spoken language across the globe. However, globalisation has led to the transfer of different cultures across societal and national boundaries. Language is one element of culture. Therefore, through the consumption of foreign products and services that come with globalisation, people often learn new languages, including English.

English has now spread across the globe so that the number of individuals who use it as a second or foreign language overshadows its native speakers (Jenkins 2006; McKay 2003). As Widdowson (1997) admits, English has developed into an intercontinental language. What has caused this spread? Is the global spread of English deliberate? These questions are important in the analysis of how English has spread to become an international language.

Jenkins (2006) and Bolton (2005) reveal how Braj B. Kachru’s model of three concentric circles of the English language can be deployed to explain well how the language has spread. Caine (2008, p.2) says that the model summarises the elements that define the stretch of English, including chronological, sociolinguistic, attainment, and fictitious aspects. Kachru’s model demonstrates how English spreads in a number of phases.

The first phase entails its spread that was witnessed in nations such as the British Isles, Ireland, and Scotland during the 16 th and 17 th centuries. The second phase followed thereafter through the spreading of the language in Australia, New Zealand, and North America. In the third phase, namely that Raj phase, the language spread in regions where its speaking communities had not existed before such as Asia and East Africa. This extension gave it a cross-cultural attribute so that it became a pluralistic language.

Although English language now spreads deliberately through advent of globalisation, it was not deliberate in the 18 and 19 th century. For example, people from English-speaking communities colonised non-English speaking communities. In the process, the colonised individuals learned the language of their master. Apart from making it possible to communicate with their masters, learning the coloniser’s language was an indication of civilisation in some communities. This observation was the case in Asia and East Africa (Saville-Troike 2006). Even in the US, people deliberately learn the language for them to fit in different systems, including the US education system. In the global age, products that are accessible via the global platforms are availed to one common market, namely the global market.

The global spread of English has benefited many international societies. Business people build their businesses’ competitive advantage around selling to people from multicultural backgrounds. In the trade relationships, they require a medium of communication. The wide prevalence of English in global societies means that these businesses have ease of access to international consumers. However, if success in the global markets depends on the ability to communicate in an international language, the degree of success in the markets depends on the level of accessibility of its learning. Thus, consistent with Master’s (1998) view, the main beneficiaries of the global spread of English are people who have the quickest accessibility to its learning. These are mainly its native speakers.

Upon considering that English receives its reputation from forces such as globalisation of power, its spreading benefits people who support only the same school of thought. For example, anti-globalisation groups are against the erosion of indigenous culture through the globalisation of the English language and its native cultures. Bolton (2005, p.74) supports this assertion by adding, ‘fearing a Disneyfication of the world with a corresponding loss of local cultures, languages, and lifestyles, the spread of English is frequently regarded with scepticism’.

Although it is true that English has colonised other languages and that it is not deployed to achieve only communication functions, it denies its native speakers the power to regulate its spreading. Many people modify it while introducing it in their cultures. They want prestige that is associated with its internationality. In this process, its native speakers can export their cultures and cultural products. Ultimately, English native speakers are the major beneficiaries of the global spreading of English language.

The spread of English started with the imperialistic process of empire building that was being explored by Britain. Political, economic, and cultural progression of the US followed to define neo-imperialism. By 1922, Britain had the biggest empire in the world. It occupied about 25% of the total surface of the earth where it covered a population of more than 450 million (Saville-Troike 2006). In the colonies, the primary the objective of education system was to acquire the English language. Therefore, the economic and academic success of the colonised people depended mainly on the capacity of mastering the language (Phillipson 1992).

When World War II ended, the colonised nations retained their dependence on the English language. They selected it as one of their national languages. Indeed, people who selected it were the products of the outgoing colonial regime education (Phillipson 1992).

This situation led to the dominance of English in more than 75 British colonies. After the attainment of sovereignty by the US and the disbanding of the Soviet Union, the United States became the only superpower across the world. In the 20 th and 21 st centuries, economic, political, and cultural influence of the US had been a major driver of prominence of the English language across the world. In the information-based global economy, more than 45 percent of websites had appeared in the English language by September 2012 where many of them were based in the US.

Today, China presents the only major threat to the proliferation of English as a global language through cultural, political, and economic influence of the US. However, distinct political, monetary, intellectual, or martial powers cannot foster the international spread of a language. For example, amid the enormous economic growth of Japan between 1960s and 1990s, Japanese never became a global language. Promulgation of a language into a global tongue requires the combination of cultural, economic, and political influence of its promulgators. It is on this account that Latin preceded English in its global spreading.

The spread of the English language promises improvements in terms of communication across the globe. However, it limits the opportunity for running global businesses for people who get chances to learn English (Caine 2008). This capitalism has led to the viral spreading of the English language, especially as people from all linguistic backgrounds now compete in the global market. For them to reach global mass consumers, a common medium of communication is needed.

Consequently, such people look for ways of learning the most commonly used language in global communication. Therefore, the spread of global English has had positive effects in global trade through the reduction of language barrier problems. Nevertheless, not all people have had an opportunity to learn it. Hence, linguistic capitalism remains an enormous negative implication of the spread of global English. The global spread of English has the advantage of easing communication between its learners. It helps in business negotiations across the globe in the effort to drive economies. It also gives people who study languages an opportunity to make translations. However, it also presents disadvantages. Its massive spread has made many businesses adopt it in their operations. As such, the spread has led to the loss of value of some indigenous languages and hence cultural fragmentation.

Bolton, K 2005, ‘Symposium on world Englishes today (part II): Where WE stands: Approaches, issues, and debate in world Englishes’, World Englishes, vol. 24 no. 1, pp. 69-83. Web.

Caine, T 2008, ‘Do You Speak Global? The Spread of English and the Implications for English Language Teaching’, Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education , vol. 1 no. 1, pp. 1-11. Web.

Ethnologue 2015, Languages of the World: Statistical Summaries . Web.

Jenkins, J 2006, ‘Current perspectives on teaching world Englishes and English as a lingua franca’, TESOL Quarterly, vol. 40 no. 1, pp. 157-181. Web.

Master, P 1998, ‘Positive and negative aspects of the dominance of English’, TESOL Quarterly, vol. 32 no .4, pp, 716-727. Web.

McKay, S 2003, ‘Toward an appropriate EIL pedagogy: Re-examining common ELT assumptions’, International Journal of Applied Linguistics, vol. 13 no. 1, pp. 1-22. Web.

Phillipson, R 1992, Linguistic Imperialism , Oxford UP, Oxford, England. Web.

Saville-Troike, M 2006, Introducing Second Language Acquisition , Cambridge UP, Cambridge, UK. Web.

Widdowson, H 1997, ‘The forum: EIL, ESL, EFL: Global issues and local interests’, World Englishes, vol. 16 no. 1, pp. 135-146. Web.

Yoshikawa, H 2005, ‘Recognition of world Englishes: Change in Chukyo, University students’ attitudes’, World Englishes, vol. 24 no. 3, pp. 351-360. Web.

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"Global English Language Development." IvyPanda , 5 July 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/global-english-language-development/.

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IvyPanda . 2020. "Global English Language Development." July 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/global-english-language-development/.

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Global English Language Development." July 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/global-english-language-development/.

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