What The World Will Speak In 2115

As children, there tends to be little to no thought about the type of language we are taught to speak, read, and write. Far from our thoughts, are the long term evolutions from years before and after us that will shape what remaining languages will be in existence, and the ones that have gone extinct. In the article, “What the World Will Speak in 2115”, by John H. McWhorter, the reader is presented with the concept that there needs to be an overall common language, over time language will become easier, and English will reign as the predominant language for global business. McWhorter also gives insight to the causes and the effects of diminishing languages. McWhorter opens up his article introducing two languages invented in
We can expect a snowball effect with simplifications around other language fueled factors, such as, written materials and media which are written in English. McWhorter reminds us that, “... switching to anything else would entail an enormous effort” (2015). Going back to the thought of Mandarin Chinese becoming the main language speaks volumes to the effects of simplicity, and if it’s difficult to learn, the likely hood of being utilized is scarce. McWhorter states, “… the tones of Chinese are extremely difficult to learn beyond childhood, and truly mastering the writing system virtually requires having been born to it”
What are we really losing when we lose these different types of languages? There is a major shift in cultural heritage. Indigenous people are a population that suffers greatly from this because their language is not spoken among other countries. (Haynes, 2010). This makes it difficult for them to preserve their culture and legacy. Although, an increase in the use of English is not necessary liable for these circumstances, it is a continual reminder of the effects of the reduction in language. McWhorter, also gives us insight to how important English is to global business now even more so in the future. Many companies are well aware of this, and there has been a surge in multinational companies that are requiring English to be the common corporate langue ate. (Neely,