English as a global language - Essay Example

Task Introduction As the world is reduced into a global village, an increase in demand of a mode of communication is well understood and has the capacity to reach the end of the world. This need is cultivated by economic and political structures that require common language to propagate ideas and development. English is often regarded as a global language following the colonial era that saw British explorers establish dominion over early civilization to instill their cultural practices including language. Analysts explore English as a global language to provide different opinions on its future based on demographics and existing trends. Why a global language English as a global language has been depicted in most newspapers and magazines following the rich history of the world that dates back to the colonial period. Such statements were prominently displayed following the retreat of the British Empire in Asia where English would gain millage across the globe; as a result, English is seen as symbol for cultural diversity, identity, and globalization. Print and broadcast media seeking to establish the extent of English proliferation attract a worldwide audience as many gain interest to the phenomenon; consequently, such institutions have seen significant growth in terms of popularity over the years. The proliferation is evidenced by the use of English in advertisements and restaurant menus in foreign cities regardless of their native language. Most people casually acknowledge English as a global language owing to its use by influential politicians across the world. Furthermore, news in the English language demand audience in many countries as it is seen to bear a global appeal. However, this does not mean that everyone in the world is well acquainted with English since most countries their native dialects as the official language. This creates mixed feelings among individuals who have English as their mother tongue and those who are not native speakers (Crystal 2). Native speakers bear pride at the success story that is their language, but are highly sensitive when others fail to command effective use. In contrast, non-native speakers appear highly motivated to master the language, which they perceive as a milestone and are proud of the achievement. However, most feel disadvantaged over the native speakers, as they have participated in making English a success over their native language. As such, anger, envy, and resentment are a common feature among English learners. A global language is described as one that establishes a unique and recognized role in participating countries. English surpasses these expectations, as a large number of people are fluent in the common dialect as opposed to other languages. In order to achieve a global status, a language must be the official language in a country and adopted a vast majority. In addition, the language can be prioritized in teaching institutions. There are various reasons behind the preference of a foreign language for global communication such as political expediency, historical tradition, cultural, and commercial interactions (Crystal 5). What global language English as a language has managed to claim, in a way, a global status where the media applies the language regardless of the geographical location of their audience. The language is widely accepted to the extent that the Pope addressed the masses in English during his visit to the Middle East. This acceptance is significant among foreign groups who carry out their dealings with English as their official language. Such is evidenced by in the ASEAN, which is an Asian trade group as well as the de facto adoption of English by German research scientists (Wallraff 1). However, in spite of the enormous acceptance, English comes second after Chinese as the most spoken language in the world. In the United States, the Bureau of Census indicates that the number of people who speak a different language other than English has increased. For instance, California has a great number of Spanish speakers owing to the large population of resident Hispanics. In New York, the large proportion of Hispanics in the population influenced the media to establish a Spanish affiliated media station. Similarly, the number of Chinese speakers has grown enormously over the years to an estimated 2.4 million in America. Most of them only use English outside their homes and revert to their native language in their households; as a result, the use other languages in America is higher than the use of English regardless of its official use. The future of English as a global language is bleak since there are three times as many Chinese speakers as native English speakers. There are emerging languages such as Hindu-Urdu, Arabic, and Spanish among others that threaten the English globalization. This is according to extrapolation of current lingual statistics that suggest an enormous population increase for native Chinese and Hindu-Urdu speakers over their native English counterparts. English is known for its ability to gather influences from other languages leading to its evolution and subsequent dilution. Notably, there are various version of English with the most common being the UK and the US versions that differ in pronunciation and grammar. The internet as well as the media has its role in maintaining English proficiency among non-native speakers though translations. The writer, David Crystal awes at the attention demanded by the English language through print and broadcast media. The article explores various aspects of the language with hope of explaining its application globally. First, the writer describes the perception of native and non-native speakers of English illustrating their feelings as mixed. The feelings are normal considering they would emerge anyway regardless of the language adopted globally. The writer highlights fears that linked to the rise of a particular dialect as a global language. Fears and concerns are related to conflicts that have been experienced the world over with regard to economics, education, and laws. In this regard, those opposed to English as global language have often viewed it as a ploy to westernization and domination. Crystal describes a global language as on that develops a significant role in each country due to the level of comprehension and worldwide acceptance. There are numerous languages in the world and a global one is that which makes communication among populations easier with lesser distortions. In order to qualify as a global language, it should have priority in learning institutions worldwide, an aspect that is synonymous with English as it is taught in over 100 countries as a foreign language. Notably, the article does not shy away from illustrating the difference between first, second, and foreign language status based on fluency and ability. Crystal indicates that the number of people who speak a language does nothing much to influence its rise as a global language. He cites the individuals who are native speakers as the major influences of a global lingual with a major example of the Roman Empire and Latin. With regard to the above, dominance of any language is linked to the economic, cultural, and technological strength of the native speakers. In essence, when the native speakers succeed their language proliferation increases and garners worldwide acceptance, it is fair to say that each language has particular properties that are internationally appealing. The writer notes that a global language is not built on the size of its vocabulary or intrinsic structural properties, but on the power of its users. In light of this, language that was once great and associated with great civilizations remains in the shadow as it currently lacks the means to spread worldwide, which explains the why Latin and Greek were international languages in the past. Although previously achieved through military expeditions, a global language at the present age requires economic powers to maintain and expand (Crystal 10). This explains the growth of competitive industries and multinational organizations that serve as ambassadors of English as a global language. The writer, Barbara Wallraff, is of a different opinion with regard to English as global language. The writer acknowledges the strides by English in the globalization efforts while faulting its future as a global dialect. Just as Crystal, Wallraff marvels at how English has been useful in international trade and scientific research. However, the writer indicates that the language has failed to hold its ground at the home turf. In the article, Spanish and Chinese are illustrated as other major languages spoken in the US an aspect that has been propagated by the increasing number of immigrants. Cited sources in the article indicate that the future of English as a global language is in jeopardy owing to enormous numerical gaps with respect to population. Based on population analysis, English cedes second place worldwide as the largest native language after Chinese (Wallraff 3). This is contrary to Crystal’s sentiments on the number of speakers and influences of a global language. Wallraff is of the view that Chinese may become a global language owing the high number of native speakers. In addition, the article questions the number of people who are fluent and in comprehension of English in the world thus supporting the largest native language. The article cites the traits of the English language to absorb elements of other languages to create various versions of the language as evidenced by the UK, Australian, South African, and US versions. As a foreign language to most people, technology plays a vital role in propagating the spread of the language. Computers have found application in everyday life at a global scale and in spite of operating in English as the default language; demand influenced the incorporation of other major languages. The article attributes this to the economically viable demands that require translation to major native languages. As such, technology is seen to facilitate an overlap of the world’s native languages with software developers adapting to linguistic needs of their clients. Technological advances also double as teaching tools for willing learners and at the end of the day; English maintains its strides towards globalization. In conclusion, the English language is informally recognized as the international language owing to its proliferation across nations. Most people are affected by its use at a point in their life and regardless of their mother tongue; they pay keen attention to learn its use for future application. Analysts hold different sentiments about English as a global language and show concerns about its future, but they concur that in deed it is the current international language. As such, if English is not already a fully established global language, then it is emerging as the strongest influence of international relations. Works Cited Crystal, David. Why a global language? n.d. Web. 13 May 2013. Wallraff, Barbara. “What a global language?” The Atlantic Monthly. 2000. Web. 13 May 2013. Read More