essay, english as a global language
Do the benefits of English as a world language outweigh the dangers?
Predictions are that English could become a future language for the world. It is widely spoken and taught around the world. By the late eighteen century; John Adams predicted that it would become the most respectable language in the world and most universally read and spoken in the coming centuries. (Burn & Coffin: 9). The evidence of this is emphasized by David Crystal in his second edition of his book - English as a global language. He states that a quarter of the world’s population is already fluent or competent in English; and the figure is steadily growing. No other language can match this growth. (Crystal: 2003). It is spoken by nearly 1 billion people around the world and has official status in 45 countries. (Burns & Coffin: 11&78).
The influence of English in the world and its prospect of being recognized as world language have opened countless overwhelming debates about its future. This essay will explore both positive and negative aspect of using English as a global language. The first part will focus on the significant role that English plays globally which could automatically assume to be a global language. The second part will reflect the possible dangers which can emerge by the introduction of its dominance as a global language.
English language seems to play an ever more important role in world communications, International businesses, and social and cultural affairs. (Burns & Coffin: 26). Its working role as a lingua franca is therefore accepted by international relations in all parts of the world e.g media, tourism and business. Should there be a business joint venture between Japanese and Finnish nationals; they will benefit from English as their communication language.
Its benefits outweigh the dangers and several factor are evidently showing this; its leading-edge of science and technology, research and developments, education and politics. Examples include
Predictions are that English could become a future language for the world. It is widely spoken and taught around the world. By the late eighteen century; John Adams predicted that it would become the most respectable language in the world and most universally read and spoken in the coming centuries. (Burn & Coffin: 9). The evidence of this is emphasized by David Crystal in his second edition of his book - English as a global language. He states that a quarter of the world’s population is already fluent or competent in English; and the figure is steadily growing. No other language can match this growth. (Crystal: 2003). It is spoken by nearly 1 billion people around the world and has official status in 45 countries. (Burns & Coffin: 11&78).
The influence of English in the world and its prospect of being recognized as world language have opened countless overwhelming debates about its future. This essay will explore both positive and negative aspect of using English as a global language. The first part will focus on the significant role that English plays globally which could automatically assume to be a global language. The second part will reflect the possible dangers which can emerge by the introduction of its dominance as a global language.
English language seems to play an ever more important role in world communications, International businesses, and social and cultural affairs. (Burns & Coffin: 26). Its working role as a lingua franca is therefore accepted by international relations in all parts of the world e.g media, tourism and business. Should there be a business joint venture between Japanese and Finnish nationals; they will benefit from English as their communication language.
Its benefits outweigh the dangers and several factor are evidently showing this; its leading-edge of science and technology, research and developments, education and politics. Examples include
References: Burn and Coffin 2001. Analyzing English in a Global Context Crystal 2003. English as a Global language www.un.org/en/ga