Global Language--English
A Discussion of the Advantages and Disadvantages of English As A Global Language
A widely accepted definition of global English which can be found at "www.reference.com" is "English as a global means of communication in numerous dialects, and also the movements towards an international standard for the language, it is also referred to as world English, common English or general English." In regard to history and why English developed into a global language, Crystal(1977) points out that the current status of English dominance is mainly attributed to two factors: the British colonial expansion in the nineteenth century and the dramatic rise of the American economy in the twentieth century. It also has undergone a period of rapid growth as a result of the development of globalization since the twentieth century. Crystal(2000) has drawn attention to the fact that no language but English possesses such a considerable number of speakers and plays such a vital role in various fields such as economy, science, culture and education. The goal of this work is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of English as a global language. This essay will principally focus on the influences that global English brings, including the negative and positive aspects. In the first place, this essay will examine the merits of English as a global language. Then its drawbacks will be elaborated on. A conclusion will be the last part of the essay.
The first main advantage of global English is the significant impact on cultural communication. For thousands of years, culture was only accumulated and inherited within a single race continuously. Interethnic communication of culture rarely happened as a result of the paucity of communication media. With the emergence of global English, it seems that this sort of restriction is likely to be eliminated. As Crystal(2000) observes, all kinds of literature are either written in English or are translated into English, and it is an undeniable
A widely accepted definition of global English which can be found at "www.reference.com" is "English as a global means of communication in numerous dialects, and also the movements towards an international standard for the language, it is also referred to as world English, common English or general English." In regard to history and why English developed into a global language, Crystal(1977) points out that the current status of English dominance is mainly attributed to two factors: the British colonial expansion in the nineteenth century and the dramatic rise of the American economy in the twentieth century. It also has undergone a period of rapid growth as a result of the development of globalization since the twentieth century. Crystal(2000) has drawn attention to the fact that no language but English possesses such a considerable number of speakers and plays such a vital role in various fields such as economy, science, culture and education. The goal of this work is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of English as a global language. This essay will principally focus on the influences that global English brings, including the negative and positive aspects. In the first place, this essay will examine the merits of English as a global language. Then its drawbacks will be elaborated on. A conclusion will be the last part of the essay.
The first main advantage of global English is the significant impact on cultural communication. For thousands of years, culture was only accumulated and inherited within a single race continuously. Interethnic communication of culture rarely happened as a result of the paucity of communication media. With the emergence of global English, it seems that this sort of restriction is likely to be eliminated. As Crystal(2000) observes, all kinds of literature are either written in English or are translated into English, and it is an undeniable
References: 1. Crystal, D. (1997). English as a global language (the first edition): What are the dangers of a global language? Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2. Crystal, D. (2000). English as a global language (the second edition): The cultural foundation and The right place at the right time. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 3. Ellis, S. (2006). Hold your tongue. Press by Guardian. 4. Graddol, D. (1997). The future of English: English in the 20th century. The British Council. 5. Graddol, D. (2006). English next: Introduction. British Council: The economic advantage ebbs away and the world in transition. 6. Gnutzmann, C. (1999). Teaching and Learning English As a Global Language: Implication for the cultural content of teaching and learning. Stauffenburg Verlag. 7. Global English. In Reference. Retrieved February 15, 2012, form http://www.reference.com/browse/global+english.