English as a Global Language
David Crystal said “English is the future.” He says that English will soon be the ‘lingua franca’ or common language. Many aspects contribute to the rise of English speakers around the world; they include the number of people who speak English and the visibility of those people through things such as media, tourism and business, the need for people around the world to be able to communicate in a common language and the common language that is spoken in politics. However, countries that do not speak English will be at a severe disadvantage. The need for a global language is the driving force behind the rise of English speakers, whether that be as a first or second language.
English is fast becoming the main language in the world media, business and in tourism. When you walk in a hotel or restaurant nearly anywhere in the world they will most likely speak some English. When you travel you will see signs and advertisements written in English in foreign countries. And the five major networks such as CBS, NBC, ABC, BBC and CBC broadcast in English. Because of the high amount of tourists coming from English speaking countries such as America, Canada and Australia tourist spots have had to adapt to English in order to survive financially. Because America is so highly visible around the world through their media, other countries are being exposed to it which is also contributing to the rise in English speakers. This is only one factor which explains the growth of English as a global language.
Another is the creation of new technology, which requires a common language. This technology such as phones, i pods and the internet allow people from all over the world to communicate in a way that they were never able to before. With the media that makes up the internet mainly American it would be safe to say that the majority of websites are in English. And this is true with 98% of all websites written in English. Whether you are buying or selling something online or
English is fast becoming the main language in the world media, business and in tourism. When you walk in a hotel or restaurant nearly anywhere in the world they will most likely speak some English. When you travel you will see signs and advertisements written in English in foreign countries. And the five major networks such as CBS, NBC, ABC, BBC and CBC broadcast in English. Because of the high amount of tourists coming from English speaking countries such as America, Canada and Australia tourist spots have had to adapt to English in order to survive financially. Because America is so highly visible around the world through their media, other countries are being exposed to it which is also contributing to the rise in English speakers. This is only one factor which explains the growth of English as a global language.
Another is the creation of new technology, which requires a common language. This technology such as phones, i pods and the internet allow people from all over the world to communicate in a way that they were never able to before. With the media that makes up the internet mainly American it would be safe to say that the majority of websites are in English. And this is true with 98% of all websites written in English. Whether you are buying or selling something online or