English as a Global Language
English is gaining recognition as a global language and it is being studied more whether this language should be a global language (Nadkarni, n.d.). For more than half of the century, people who migrated from different parts of the Indian subcontinent have added lots of varieties in the English language (Minority Ethnic English, n.d., Para 1). Many types of research have been done to know whether English is a global language. The aim of this paper is also to find out the status of English and its reputation as a global language.
Some surveys have been done among English speakers whether native or non-English speakers. For doing this research 10 respondents have been found out and they have given their different views on whether to make English a global language or not. Following are some questions, which have been asked to different people and different answers have been received:
- What is a global language?
- Why do we need a global language?
- Is English a global language?
- Why should English be a global language?
- Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
Following are the answers to the different respondents one by one:
Respondent One
What is a global language?
A language that is spoken worldwide is called the global language. When a language gets an exceptional ranking worldwide, it is supposed to be a global language. By special status here I mean even the language is made as an official language by the government and a medium of instruction in many educational systems within the countries. Even the media and law-courts also rely on such language and use it in their activities.
Why do we need a Global language?
As the world is so big and numerous cultures are living in different places. All have their languages or dialects to communicate. It is very difficult to learn all the languages at a time where there are more than thousands of kinds of languages all over the world. We need a language which is comfortable to speak anywhere where ever we go and which makes our life easier.
Also, translation is playing an important role in all human communications. Due to mixed communities living in one place, bilingualism and trilingualism are in fashion. So we need a language which is easy to learn except our mother tongue language.
Is English a global language?
Yes, I feel that English is a Global language that is being used in many countries around the world like, India, Singapore, Mainland China, Philippines, etc. We can observe that more people use English than the actual people who are native speakers.
Why should English be a global language?
According to my, English seems to be more comfortable in learning and speaking so it should be a global language.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
It is good to make English a global language. As said before, I feel it’s a very convenient language to learn and most of the people already have adopted this language in different terms. It is not necessary that the non-speaking people would use this language actually like the native people. They will use it according to the conditions prevailing in their particular countries. One can always see the good aspects of this language.
Respondent Two
What is a global language?
A global language is one which is spoken chiefly in almost all countries around the world. Sometimes it becomes part of the working culture in some countries.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to make it convenient to communicate with others. The world, being a place of varieties of communities, cultures, and languages, is not that easy to live in and above all when we have to communicate with the people whose mother tongue is completely different from us, it becomes easier when we have a common language that supports us to convey our message to others.
Is English a global language?
English is a global language as it is spoken in many countries.
Why should English be a global language?
Well, I do not think that English actually should be a global language. Today people go out, explore the world, and enjoy. When we go to other countries to visit many tourists guide us and make us understand about the culture and other things of that country. I do not think that it is necessary for us to know the knowledge of English or if the country that we are visiting would demand any knowledge of English.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
As mentioned above I think it will be a bad idea to make English a global language. It is not that easy to learn English and especially American English is very hard to learn. English is known as a harder language to learn and for a foreigner, it is the hardest language to learn. Sometimes a question arises whether England English or American English should be a global language. If we consider business people, it is understandable that they learn more than one language but why everybody should learn it. It will not be that practical. Many countries do not have the resources to help their citizen in this case.
Respondent Three
What is a global language?
A language spoken all over the world is called a global language. It is recognized in many countries and a large number of people speak such language.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to communicate comfortably with other people who have different cultures and different mother tongues.
Is English a global language?
English is a global language as many countries speak this language. It is because many countries speak it, it is due to its recognition in many nations.
Why should English be a global language?
English is being used widely for the past many years. It is one of the five most spoken languages. This language is spoken in many countries either as a native, second or third language. Many Asian and African countries are giving weightage to promote this language in their schools. Most of the international communication is happening in the English language only.
The advancement of technology specialists, the rise in the forms of different media sources like, radio, television, and the internet spread the use of the English language. Various multinational companies and outsourcing companies felt the need for a global language so English became that option because it already got spread everywhere.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
The more use of English language is giving warning to local languages in the countries where English is putting its influence over their languages. Now it is being felt that the use of English rather than using the native language as an official language has become the symbol of a country’s identity.
But as the internet is becoming multilingual, the importance of English is not being understood much since there has been various software which can translate one language from the other language so it could be that English may lose its preference of choice to simplify any communication.
Respondent Four
What is a global language?
A global language is the main choice of many people around the world.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to make our communication better with other people who are the speaker of different languages.
Is English a global language?
Yes, English is a global language. One can see its popularity everywhere around the world. This is the language that has got immense recognition around the world.
Why should English be a global language?
There are many reasons why English should be a global language. First of all, it is not at all difficult to be perfect in English from the point of view of communication. I find its grammatical structure very simple. Its verb conjugation is easier than any other language like French etc.
Our history also proves that English had been spread for many years. It was made compulsory to learn English so the people could deal with the political bodies of the British Empire at that time. Due to the success of many English businesses, many nations started learning English to face business competition and to reach the top.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
Leaving historical and commercial reasons behind, I wish to see the other good aspect of this language for making it global. As grammatically it is very comfortable to learn this language and this language has flexibility also to learn. It is a beautiful language which has taken many words from some other languages too and it has given us many of the best literature in the world. this language has given us a common communication point.
Respondent Five
What is a global language?
A global language is one which is used as a common mode of communication all over the world. It is supposed to be the most famous language and is understood to be more comfortable while using in communication. Such kind of language develops a special role and many people speak the language like their mother tongue
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to make ourselves more comfortable while coming in contact with the people whose mother tongue is not easy to understand. Especially the world is full of lots of business competitions and we need a language which helps us to connect with the business communities around the world.
Is English a global language?
English is one of those some languages which many countries use as a mother tongue. English has a distinct place as a large number of people who are non-native speakers speak this language. Many of the countries are using this language as an official language. Many countries have adopted the English language in various fields like media, education, courts, and entertainment.
Why should English be a global language?
Due to its dominance even in non-English speaking countries, it seems like English has made a place for being a global language. This language has put cultural dominance over other languages. In some places, native languages are being understood as inferior to them.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
If one observes the role of English in world politics, media, and researches, there is nothing negative to make it a global language as this language has widely put its influence everywhere and has not any area like the entertainment field too. English is being adopted as a foreign language, second language, and as an international language in countries like China that are densely populated. English could be understood as a tool for advancement.
Respondent Six
What is a global language?
A global language is a source of connecting with people worldwide whether on an academic or business level.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to connect well with others around the world.
Is English a global language?
As far as I know English is a global language which has got its this status due to the British empire’s influence in many parts of the world like India and China and also the United States.
Why should English be a global language?
The British started the era of the mechanical revolution, especially in the computer field. So English has digitally affected the world. It has affected tremendously and has brought mankind together across the globe. It has put an influence on people’s life which has become better.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
This language has added many new words and keeps on adding so I feel it has lost that beauty of Chaucer and Shakespeare. But looking at other aspects like business ventures etc., I think we can make it a global language.
Respondent Seven
What is a global language?
A global language is one which has earned its reputation not only in its country but also around the world and has become somewhat a symbol of status in many countries.
Why do we need a Global language?
Being part of a global world, we need to communicate transversely. Considering that we need to learn and speak a language which can help us bond with people around the world.
Is English a global language?
I feel that one language that is learned and spoken in many countries and it is important to learn is English. Though many people speak Spanish and Chinese largely in various countries, the English language has taken over that number and this language is spoken in many countries either as a first or second language. In Germany, one has to learn English from the age of 5 years.
English seems to be an easy language to learn. If we compare it with Spanish or French, I feel its grammar and pronunciation is much easier than these languages.
Why should English be a global language?
Because of its easy pronunciation and easy grammar, I feel English should be a global language as it helps us to communicate worldwide and we can exchange information easily. We can work together and can understand each other in a better way.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
It is good to make English a global language but on the other hand, I feel many native speakers lose many opportunities and they lose trust or interest in their language.
Respondent Eight
What is a global language?
A global language is a convenient mode of connecting people having different cultures, languages, and interests.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to connect well with different people around the world. It helps us to grow and prosper.
Is English a global language?
English has effectively become a global language. It is not because of any official decision which was made rather it simply developed in that way. Because of its sole reputation in the world, it has been accepted widely. English language movies, English language programs, and many English soccer games have played a major role in spreading this language worldwide.
History also depicts the role of British colonies made in several countries which helped this language to grow in many countries.
Why should English be a global language?
English has been accepted as a preferred language by doctors, surgeons, business people, and other professionals. Many journals are being published in the English language only. Most of the professionals like air traffic controllers, sportsperson all prefer to speak in English. It is not like any international body has made any announcement for making English a global language. It is just due to its gradual development and being the language of choice.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
Some people think that making English a global language is a bad thing as it puts bad effects on their languages. People think that their native language and native dialect should not be died out. But similarly, it is also accepted that global use of English does not show that the importance and existence of other languages will be lost.
Respondent Nine
What is a global language?
A global language is used globally and extensively.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to understand better the different religions, races, ethnic groups more easily. It can help the whole World to grow.
Is English a global language?
First of all, the English language is easy to understand in comparison with other languages like Russian, Chinese, and Japanese, etc. Secondly, English has been a sort of imposed internationally as U.S. technology has its prevalence around the world.
Why should English be a global language?
I have different opinions about this which is mixed. I do not think that English should be a global language. A country should always value its language primarily. I have not seen many films coming in France changing their film titles into the local language though it could be done. The media in non-English speaking countries should never catch the chance of adopting English vocabulary as a fashion.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
I feel that English should not be a vehicle for understanding other international communities residing in various countries. It is not at all a good idea.
Respondent Ten
What is a global language?
A global language is known in many countries of the world. it is not only known but also learned and spoken.
Why do we need a Global language?
We need a global language to know about other ethnic groups, to understand them, and to communicate with them.
Is English a global language?
English is a global language as many people speak this language and they show their vast interest in it. Even if they are not able to speak English fluently still they know some words of it.
Why should English be a global language?
As English is an essential means of communication and they know this language preferably. Many people love to learn and speak this language. It is such a kind of language when you start learning this language you seem to fall in love with it as you also feel that after learning this language you will join a big group which speaks English.
Is it good or bad to make English a global language?
As said earlier, it is a lovely language to learn and speak until one does not use a broken kind of English. It is very good that many nations share the same language to communicate with each other. Being it a global language you can find anyone anywhere who speaks this language and that makes you comfortable. Many people do not like the global concept of English. This language contains a linguistic appeal that attracts many people that they learn it. English has given its contribution to education a lot. It’s being global has put its effect on many people and we have a linguistic bond that makes us closer in whatever part of the world we are.
Results
The responses of those ten respondents give mixed views. Some agree to make English a global language though some people see its bad aspects. There are both advantages and disadvantages in making English a global language.
Advantages
English is a very convenient language to learn and most people already have adopted this language in different terms. It is not necessary that the non-speaking people would use this language actually like the native people. They will use it according to the conditions prevailing in their particular countries. One can always see the good aspects of this language.
If one observes the role of English in world politics, media, and researches, there is nothing negative to make it a global language as this language has widely put its influence everywhere and has not any area like the entertainment field too. English is being adopted as a foreign language, second language, and as an international language in countries like China that are densely populated. English could be understood as a tool for advancement.
English has become an essential part of education. For publishing papers in Medical or Sciences, the role of English has been important. English is working as a glue that is bringing many scientists from different parts of the world together. English has been accepted as a preferred language by doctors, surgeons, business people, and other professionals. Many journals are being published in the English language only.
Even the countries which never realized the importance of English before now understand its benefits where all the mechanical and scientific knowledge is being shared in English only.
Disadvantages
Some people think that making English a global language is a bad thing as it puts bad effects on their languages. People think that their native language and native dialect should not be died out. But similarly, it is also accepted that global use of English does not show that the importance and existence of other languages will be lost.
According to one respondent, a country should always value its language primarily. She mentions that she has not seen many films coming in France changing their film titles into the local language though it could be done. The media in non-English speaking countries should never adopt English vocabulary as a fashion.
“With English so dominant there is a reduced need to learn foreign languages and culture and the beauty of expression to be found in those languages. Language can express culture so uniquely that concepts are truly “lost in translation”. Perhaps this is why English itself can absorb words such as “chic” which needs about ten English words to express the same idea but without that intangible something (“je ne sais quoi”?) which the word or phrase conveys of the culture from which it has sprung”(Cook, 2008).
Another respondent also mentions its disadvantages as English a global language. It is not that easy to learn English and especially American English is very hard to learn. English is known as a harder language to learn and for a foreigner, it is the hardest language to learn. Sometimes a question arises whether England English or American English should be a global language. If we consider business people, it is understandable that they learn more than one language but why everybody should learn it. It will not be that practical. Many countries do not have the resources to help their citizen in this case.
Some feel that the more use of the English language is giving warning to local languages in the countries where English is putting its influence over their languages. Now it is being felt that the use of English rather than using the native language as an official language has become the symbol of a country’s identity.
But as the internet is becoming multilingual, the importance of English is not being understood much since there has been various software which can translate one language from the other language so it could be that English may lose its preference of choice to simplify any communication.
Conclusion
“Language is culture. Language carries with it the history of a nation and a civilization. What is happening now is the huge weight of US culture and output in film, TV, electronic goods and the Internet is flooding the world with English phrases which are already changing the nature of languages throughout the world. Europe, Japan, the Middle East, and the Far East are absorbing English at an accelerated rate. This can lead to cultural laziness; why figure out a word in your language when you have one ready-made. This sort of linguistic exchange has been going on for millennia but never on such a vast scale. The result is that we are in danger of a worldwide US monoculture and the destruction of the unique nature, diversity, and characteristics of human language” (Cook, 2008).
To sum up the actual research we can understand though English is not our mother tongue, we still may be motivated to learn this language (Crystal, 2003). “English is also hugely important as an international language and plays an important part even in countries where the UK has historically had little influence” (Minority Ethnic English, n.d., Para 5).
“It is learned as the principal foreign language in most schools in Western Europe. It is also an essential part of the curriculum in far-flung places like Japan and South Korea and is increasingly seen as desirable by millions of speakers in China. Before WWII, most teachings of English as a foreign language used British English as its model, and textbooks and other educational resources were produced here in the UK for use overseas. This reflected the UK’s cultural dominance and its perceived ‘ownership’ of the English Language. Since 1945, however, the increasing economic power of the USA and its unrivaled influence in popular culture has meant that American English has become the reference point for learners of English in places like Japan and even to a certain extent in some European countries. British English remains the model in most Commonwealth countries where English is learned as a second language. However, as the history of English has shown, this situation may not last indefinitely. The increasing commercial and economic power of countries like India, for instance, might mean that Indian English will one day begin to have an impact beyond its borders” (Minority Ethnic English, n.d., Para 5).
Reference List
Cook, R. 2008. “English as a Global Language, a good or bad thing?” Helium. Web.
Crystal, D. 2003. “English as a global language”. Second Edition, Cambridge University Press.
“Minority Ethnic English.” n.d. British Library. Web.
Nadkarni, M.V. n.d. “English as a Global Language.” Fine print. Web.