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To understand the benefits and disadvantages of a Global Language, we first need to understand what exactly we are talking about. Many of us would say that English is a Global Language and is the lingua franca. Most of us can agree that English is the bridge of communication between foreign countries and will continue to rise allowing greater communication, especially in economic and political growth. Today’s world thrives on political and economic growth, allowing stronger relationships and communication between nations. English is the main language of communication, more and more employers are requiring that all their employees speak English at least at a minimal level, while still offering in house English courses. To be a Global Language also means that people must first learn the language in order to communicate appropriately. According to a study in 2019 “Nearly two billion people – that’s almost one in three people – study English as a non-native language. In the developing world, English is less of a foreign language skill and more a tool synonymous with development, expanding a county’s economy and increasing its connectedness to the rest of the world.” (Table A) We can see the top-ranking countries from very high proficiency to high proficiency listed below. English is now the second most-spoken language in the world and the chances are that each year the number will rise. “There are few native English speakers in Asia, but a large number of the population use English as a second or third language. India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, and Singapore all recognize English as an official language”. English is also the fundamental language of tourism. The English language is making it easier to travel the world without the hassles of not being able to communicate with everyday simple needs. With this being said tourists are bringing in revenue to foreign countries allowing their economy to thrive, having fewer language restrictions means more growth in the end. A vast number of countries have also implemented the English Language in their school systems. English is a mandatory class and many countries start teaching students at a very young age. Children learning English so young allows for future economic development as well as individual. There will be fewer restraints on where someone can later on study, work or move to. English is not an easy language to learn, but easier than Mandarin which has the most speakers in the world. With children learning English at such a young age, there could one day be a strong possibility of English taking the number one spot as the most spoken language of the world. English becoming a global language will eventually be “the” only recognized language in the world, I do not see that happening. This world is run on diversity and that is what makes it strong. Having a Global Language is one thing but to be the only recognized language is a disadvantage. Becoming one each country will lose their native tongue as well as lose their culture. Becoming one will be boring and people who would be forced to take on another language as something mandatory will be upset. Having to be forced to give up who you are as a person is giving up your freedom. It is going to be important for all ESL and EFL speakers to not forget their native language along with their own culture and not to become lazy and just speak English. Whatever one's view of English as a Global Language is, we will not see it slowing down or stopping. The demand for the language is here with no plans to disappear. More and more nations will accept the English language and as long as they do not forget who they are, their native tongue and culture we may be in for an interesting ride. lingua franca - a language used for communication between groups of people who speak different languages : (Definition of lingua franca from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EF_English_Proficiency_Index Kiprop, Victor. "English Speaking Countries in Asia." WorldAtlas, Dec. 12, 2018, worldatlas.com/articles/english-speaking-countries-in-asia.html. Table A 1 Netherlands 70.27 Very High Proficiency 2 Sweden 68.74 Very High Proficiency 3 Norway 67.93 Very High Proficiency 4 Denmark 67.87 Very High Proficiency 5 Singapore 66.82 Very High Proficiency 6 South Africa 65.38 Very High Proficiency 7 Finland 65.34 Very High Proficiency 8 Austria 64.11 Very High Proficiency 9 Luxembourg 64.03 Very High Proficiency 10 Germany 63.77 Very High Proficiency 11 Poland 63.76 Very High Proficiency 12 Portugal 63.14 Very High Proficiency 13 Belgium 63.09 Very High Proficiency 14 Croatia 63.07 Very High Proficiency 15 Hungary 61.86 High Proficiency 16 Romania 61.36 High Proficiency 17 Serbia 61.30 High Proficiency 18 Kenya 60.51 High Proficiency 19 Switzerland 60.23 High Proficiency 20 Philippines 60.14 High Proficiency 21 Lithuania 60.11 High Proficiency 22 Greece 59.87 High Proficiency 23 Czechia 59.30 High Proficiency 24 Bulgaria 58.97 High Proficiency 25 Slovakia 58.82 High Proficiency 26 Malaysia 58.55 High Proficiency 27 Argentina 58.38 High Proficiency 28 Estonia 58.29 High Proficiency 29 Nigeria 58.26 High Proficiency
