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Importance of English as a global language
Importance of English as a global language
Does language affect culture
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Recommended: Importance of English as a global language
"English is considered to be a 'global language '. Account for the dominance of English today, and discuss what the future of the English language might be." David Crystal (2003) suggests that if a language gains a 'special role ' which is recognized in every country, a language reaches a global language and gets a global status. There are two options how to fill this 'special role ' in given country: Firstly, the language is considered as a mother tongue and the official language of a country, such as for example Great Britain, India, Nigeria, United States of America, Canada, and New Zealand. Secondly, the language can be learning such as 'second ' or 'foreign ' language. Usually, opinions, that the international language becomes …show more content…
There is no doubt that thanks to the Great Britain, English stayed and extended to coast to coast. This historical development is just one factor which helped to English became the most famous language in the world. The first British village was founded in North America in Jamestown in the 17 century. English as a Global Language (2003) cited by Crystal (2003: p. 35) concluded that "within one or two generations of arrival, most of these immigrant families have come to speak English, though a natural process of assimilation." In 2000 the USA got to a number of people who spoke only English, augmented to 215 million which it was 82 per cent of the population. (Crystal 2003) Crystal (2003) suggests that in Canada the Great Britain had competed with France for the influence which had a bigger power. The relationship between English and French is quite interesting. Today both languages have an official status. Although French is representative as a co-official language, English still predominate. "Over 31 million were estimated in 2001, with two-thirds claiming English as a native or home language." (Crystal 2003: p. …show more content…
People use English for business communities. Some of them call English as 'the international language of business '. The best MBA programs are thought in English which help people to get the best optional to learning, training English and then find a successful job. (Wil 2015) Either the modern technologies can not be without English. The famous journalist and writers came from English-speaking countries, such as the USA or the Great Britain. Crystal (2003: p. 14) states that: "There has never been a time when so many people wished to travel to so many places". Today they have many options but the traveling includes knowledge English because of the hotel, air transport or local people. According to Dr. John McWhorter (2015): "A language is not just a collection of words and rules; it is part of a culture, learned early, used with kids, the vehicle of the most intimate and warm feelings". The language has the right to be called as 'holder of cultures ': a national culture can not exist without a common language. In connection with any kind of a territory, which the process of the globalization has an influence, the question of unequal power shows
Most people who grow up with a foreign language spoken in there house grow up with an advantage in society. This advantage can only occur once the individual learning that foreign language also learns the dominant language spoken in that country. Once both of these languages are learned and mastered, the individual has now placed them se...
As discussed in World Geography class, the world has become more globalized in the modern world due to the expansion of the internet and transportation for easier travel to areas of the world. Through the internet and tourism, the spread of more populous languages grows. According to the Globalization and Diversity textbook, through globalization, smaller cultures have a hard time catching up with the rest of the world; thus, these cultures must adapt to the dominate culture. The Tuvan, Aka, and Seri cultures cannot compete with English, for example, as the numbers of English speakers are significantly higher. In a world of globalization, the need for a common language, or lingua franca, is important for numerous cultures to
“Our Native Tongue” is a short article written by Nelson W. Aldrich. Jr, in February 2000. To begin the article Aldrich describes how privileged and grateful he is to know the English language. Aldrich says “I’d been born with a silver tongue in my mouth.” From this statement, readers can assume how amazing the English language is. Silver is an item most people value, Aldrich values English the way some would value silver. Aldrich also says because he knows the English language he has access to many opportunities, that others would have to pay for because they do not know the English language. The article also discusses the first global lingua franca. Lingua franca is “the language of science, business, political, and finical power, and English”. Lingua franca is also a diammoniate language that is accepted between speakers whose languages are different.
According to the 2011 census, over 20.8 percent of the United States population spoke another language other than English (www.us-english.org). Language barriers, cultural differences, and immigration have been a part of life in the United States for decades. Language is considered a vital tool in the construction of someone’s identity and an expression of culture. In the last 200 years immigrants have chosen to make the United States their home, but some proceeded with caution by slowly adapting to the English language and culture.
Not just Canada, language in general allows people to connect with each other. This connection is essential because in order to understand another, one must comprehend their thoughts. The only way this can be done is through spoken words; thus, having no language barrier results in less conflict caused by misunderstandings. An important trait to have for pluralistic society to exists without conflicts and violence. That is why; Canada being bilingual minimizes conflicts between diverse groups of people. Nevertheless, having two official languages does not restrict an individual from learning a different language or communicating with it – in fact, it is favored. What having two official languages does however, it allows people from different backgrounds to understand each other and their worldviews: creating a sense of
Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad(1974), says that “ English is an international language, link language, important for social mobility, essential for personal growth and developmental, essential for higher
Mollin, S., 2006. “English as a Lingua Franca: A New Variety in the New Expanding Circle?”, The Nordic Journal of English Studies 5(2), pp. 41-57. Available from
This essay will discuss how the English language contributes to globalization. It also shows some problems that arise from this. Furthermore, we will give or suggest some solutions for these problems.
For many years, the thought of English being the official language of the United States has come with a little controversy. Some argue that English should be the official language because it is the most dominant language in the world. Some believe by doing so, it would create a stronger unity among the American people. Proponents believe that although the United States is diverse, it may be too much for the American people to juggle multiple languages. Others believe that English shouldn’t be the official language and instead be one of many prominent languages that are widely used in our nation such as Spanish, French, and Chinese. I believe English should be the official language in the United States. However, I believe more emphasis should be placed on learning new languages especially among youths in school and during developmental stages.
The English language arose from the early Anglo Saxon inhabitants in ancient England and spread to Scotland and other European countries via the British Empire and later to the United States through colonial political and economical influences. It later dispersed to other parts of the world through these same influences to become one of the leading languages of the world. It has over the years developed by adopting different dialects to create a language, which is the standard lingual Franca in many countries. The rapid growth of the English language and its adoption by different cultures across the globe is sufficient ground to make it the global language.
The settlement of the British Isles by north Europeans followed by Norman French paints the backdrop to this essay which will focus on the period between the early 15th and 17th centuries, when a'standard' English language evolved. It will show that modern-day English is very different to that first introduced to the British Isles, but by identifying changes through time, its continuity can be demonstrated. Finally, it will suggest that present day English is in a position analogous to that which existed before the Norman invasion, when there were many varieties and dialects, and that this may lead to its decline as a global language, due to decreasing intelligibility. The beginnings of English can be found in the occupation of England from the 5th century by north and west German ethnic groups who brought their 'indigenous dialects' (Seargeant, P. 2012, p. 1). The Oxford English Dictionary defines English as 'Of or related to the West Germanic language spoken in England and used in many varieties throughout the world' (Seargeant, P. 2012, p. 7).
It has led to the development of new dialects and modification of existing ones. The British Empire has been able to spread the language across the globe and to date it is the most widespread language and most used in foreign transactions. Currently, the population of non- native English speakers is higher than native English speakers. This is a clear indication that English has become an international language.
English spreads widely in each countries, no matter the area of region or information transfer, English becomes an important position in global language. As the specification of a global language, it essentially refers to a language that learned and spoken internationally, so English can be the most out-standing. According to the number of English-speaking calculations, English is the official language used by most countries, English is the most widely used second language in the world, and the percentage of web pages with English content is estimated to be over 50% (Crystal, 2003). Meanwhile, the history and usefulness cause English to be a global language, and they mainly influence to spread English faster in China and to bring convenience
A global language is one that is widespread internationally and used as the common one for communication between various groups and societies. It is the language that is most taught and learnt as a foreign and/ or a second language worldwide. This kind of language has a large amount of prestige, and official or special status. It is the language of politics, international business or economics, international communication, academic conferences, science, technology, tourism, media, publishing of books or journals, newspapers, and health sciences.
Why has particularly English as a language become a global language? Researching this topic, answers to this question can be found in a global power the British Empire and the USA had during the history, especially since World War II (David Crystal, English as a Global Language, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2003). Most of the improvements which are essential for the mankind have their roots in English speaking areas and that is why English is dominating the globe in medical research, technological innovation and rock ‘n’ roll.