english as a Global LanguageAs a result of the conquests of Alexander the Great, greek became the trade language throughout the civilized world. Even after the fall of the Greeks and the rise of the Roman Empire, greek was still the main spoken and written language of the educated masses. For instance, almost the entire New Testament was written in greek. greek was perhaps the first global language.
Much like greek two thousa
nd years ago, modern english is sometimes described as the global language franca, or language systematically used between two people who do not share the same native tongue. It is used internationally as the dominant or even required language in many areas, including science, aviation, seafaring, information technology, entertainment, business and diplomacy.
The spread of the language began with the growth of the British Empire from the 16th to the 19th century. Since the end of World War II, the growing economic and cultural influence of the united states
, as well as its status as a global superpower, has significantly accelerated the use of the language in all corners of the world.
Since the use of english is required in many fields, professions and occupations, over one billion people out of approximately six billion on our planet, have at least a working knowledge of the language. It is also one of six official languages of the United Nations.
One impact of the growth of the use of english in various parts of the world has been attrition in the use of the heart language of many people groups. Although the heart language may be spoken in the home or at family gatherings, it is replaced by english at school or the market place. In some cases, this has led to claims of linguistic imperialism.
Because english is so widely spoken it is referred to as a “world language”. Although it is not the official language in many countries, it is currently the most commonly taught foreign language. english is the language most often studied as a foreign language in the European Union, by 89% of schoolchildren. It is the official language of the European Union, many British Commonwealth countries such as India and Pakistan and organizations such as the International Olympic Committee. With 375 million people who speak english at their first language, it is the third most natively spoken language in the world next to Mandarin chinese and spanish.
Books, magazines, and newspapers written in english are available in most countries around the world, and I have seen english commonly used for store signs, traffic signs and billboards in Arab speaking countries, European countries, Southeast and Central Asia, and Latin American countries.
As I travel throughout the world I find myself fortunate that, in most cases, I can communicate with people who have a basic understanding of my language. But I try to avoid arrogance and the expectation that others will conform to my monolingual shortcomings. Everywhere I go I carry a phrasebook that helps me to at least make an attempt to communicate in the national language. As pitiful as my attempts may be, it seems that the locals appreciate my attempts to honor their culture and their language, and it makes them much more willing to work with me on their language. Besides that, it’s fun!