Question

Write a note on English as a world language.

Hint:

For this topic, explain both the 'how' (historical reasons: British Empire, US influence) and the 'what' (its role in various domains: business, science, internet). Briefly mentioning the pros and cons (global communication vs. linguistic imperialism) adds depth.

Answer 1

English holds an unparalleled status as a global language or lingua franca in the 21st century. Its worldwide spread began with the expansion of the British Empire and was later solidified by the economic, political, and cultural dominance of the United States after World War II. Today, English is the primary language of international business, diplomacy, science, technology, aviation, and the internet. It is an official language in over 50 countries and is spoken as a second language by millions more. This global dominance facilitates cross-cultural communication and commerce but has also raised concerns about linguistic imperialism and the potential threat to linguistic diversity. The emergence of numerous world Englishes (like Indian English, Singaporean English) shows how the language is being adapted and adopted by different cultures, evolving far beyond its British origins.