English - A global language and its implications for students
Nguyen Thuy Nga*
Faculty of English, Hanoi University of Education,
136 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Received 15 March 2008
Abstract. This article writes on the factors which make a language become ‘global language’ and discusses about how English achieves that status. The impacts of Engish as a global language on
Vietnamese learners, science, business, technology, education are analysed. With the development of technology, media, science, education etc. English will help students broaden knowledge, change the way of thinking and brighten career prospect.
language becomes a global language. Some theories, ideas and comments will be mentioned; the main features will be discussed. Secondly, why English dominates as a “global language” will be analyzed.
Thirdly, the implications for students are presented. In this part, the advantages and difficulties are provided. The final part presents the summary of the study.
1. Introduction*
Today, English is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It is not only considered as the mother tongue of about 60 million speakers in many countries but also used widely in the world as an international language. English is the language of the United Nations, international summit meetings, science, technology, business, tourism, medicine etc. As the mean of communication, English brings people on
Earth together and helps them understand each other and exchange material, cultural and spiritual values of their own countries.
Needless to say, English is now an indispensable part of our lives; the term
“global language” is now used for English with wide acceptance.
In my writing, firstly, I will discuss about the term “global language” and how a
2. The term “global language” and how a language becomes a “global language”?
- The term “global
References: [1] D. Crystal, English as a global language Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1997. New York, 1994. [3] R. Phillipson, Linguistics imperialism, Oxford University Press, HongKong, 1992. post graduate students write in English, Australian Journal of Education 3 (2001) 296. Interview Study in Intercultural Communication, Master Thesis, Latrobe University, 1992.