The Spread of English Language - Essay Example

Introduction

The recent trend in the rise of English use has mainly occurred over the last two decades. Subsequently, the English language has reached a high status the world over due to an array of factors; as the primary language for millions of individuals, the language used in international relations, for media as well as for global communication. Sung (2013) asserts that currently, English plays a pivotal role in diplomatic, political, economic and cultural activities across the world. The significance of the global language has gradually become relevant particularly in contexts such as communication. For example, the international web pages on the internet exclusively use the English language. Moreover, the language is used to establish and maintain relationships and connections between people from different cultures and backgrounds. Sung (2013) adds that following the international flow of people and the recognition of ethnic and linguistic diversity in a variety of countries, it is not unusual to find residents of the same country communicating in a local variety of English. The increased interconnectedness and interaction between various countries in the world continues to develop, an aspect that is aided by the use of common language. Albeit the different categories of English such as the British version, the American or Australian, the words that people hear, write or read continue to appear in the English language.

Thesis

English unites people from different backgrounds and cultures both in professional or personal areas. In this case, the spread of the language across the world is positive.

Positive effects of globalizing English

English has achieved a top position in the language hierarchy where almost 29% of the world population is already reasonably competent in the language. As the language of politics, commerce and economics fluency and knowledge of English is imperative for individuals involved in such fields. Markedly, the economic powerhouses, the politicians as well as commercial organizations use the English language to communicate to the stakeholders as well as to the rest of the world. In the current global market era, the English language somewhat becomes a commodity and teaching it is seen as service provision to the communities. Further 85% of the scientific technology and academic production the world over is conducted in English. Albeit the fact that native languages such as Chinese and Hindu have more speakers, English remains the most popular language across the world regarding the number of countries where it is used (Matsuda & Matsuda, 2010).

The commoditization affects individual’s motivation and the choice of language since they may prefer English over other languages as it is associated with securing better jobs, promotions or a place in the business community. To underscore that notion, Crystal (2012) asserts that many entry-level position jobs in the hospitality, leisure and travel companies require qualified candidates to have competence in English. Moreover, in the Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, job applicants who can read, write and speak English have a higher chance of obtaining positions in government, the private sector and other businesses. It is also worth noting that multinationals continuously train their employees oral and written communication skills. In this regard, there is great demand for English speakers throughout the world to train and teach people around the globe how to read and write the English language.

It is worth noting that a global language minimizes the barriers to entry across the world. In the past, the language barrier prohibited people from doing business in countries far away from their homes. Matsuda & Matsuda assert that in a supervisor in Korea will be able to communicate to all people from different cultural backgrounds using English. In modern day, globalization, including the use of a standard language is useful since people can conduct business, trade or efficiently communicate with other cultures. In this case, the spread of English becomes imperative as people can freely interact with others across the world or conduct research appropriately whether in the field or through the internet. Crystal (2012) points out that use of a single language is the most practical way to speed up international business.

Markedly, the spread of English is crucial to the expansion of knowledge. Many books in academic fields of knowledge are written in English. Therefore, if many people including experts in various fields all over the world learned the language, they can significantly contribute to world knowledge. Also, the experts can work in any country around the world as they can effectively communicate with the local people using English. The spread of English, in this case, becomes important as doctors can travel around the world to search for cures for various diseases, engineers can travel the world to enhance their innovations while IT gurus can work anywhere in the world to make the world a global village. The logical value of learning the language is opened up by the widespread of the language.

The other importance of spreading the English language involves enrichment of different languages and cultures. Matsuda & Matsuda (2010) say that English now serves as a global lingua franca and is increasingly used by both native and non-native speakers as a means of intercultural communication. Notably, as languages come together, they become enriched through borrowing and lending of certain aspects of each one of them. Subsequently, the proliferation of English leads to the development of local varieties in the periphery. For instance, Crystal (2012) argues that some indigenous groups such as the Indian writers have a well developed local readership where they adopt a different orientation to their writing making them comfortable with their local varieties. In this case, the spread of English in different countries should be perceived as a springboard for improving communication rather than a threat to local languages (Matsuda & Matsuda, 2010). It is clear that appreciating the differences in language and culture as well as the aspect of negotiating diversity assists varieties of English speaking communities to bridge the communication gap.

In another example to underscore the importance of spreading English across communities is the case of Japan. The government introduced a discourse of Kokusaika which means internalization which advocates for English acquisition to explain and express the Japanese viewpoints openly in the world. Therefore, the addition of English allows the Japanese people to convey their culture and traditions to different people the world over. The activity could be replicated in other countries where the governments can encourage acquisition of English to let the world know about their traditions and culture.

English is seen as a useful tool that can be used to unite individuals living in a multicultural and multilingual country. For instance, Smith (2015) points out that Nigeria which has an estimated over 400 local languages introduced English as the official language to unite people and enhance communication. In doing so, English makes people understand one another years after independence without interfering with the local languages or culture. Crystal (2012) says that many parents and guardians are inclined towards sending their children to English- medium schools where they can learn and benefit from the obvious opportunities that may yield from acquiring the language. Also, English is a suitable language for creative work. Many successful Asian and Caribbean are at par with many native English speakers. Therefore, it eliminates the notion that English stifles creativity and the ability of artists.

Critics hold contrary opinion when it involves the spread of English language. The opponents argue that learning English might lead to the elimination of the true values and ways of people. Since English is a foreign language in many parts of the world, critics believe that once an individual acquires the language, he or she acquires the way of the native speakers and forgets his or her roots. People may abandon their local language which translates to ignoring one’s culture. Crystal (2012) argues that that the deeper social issues such as regional cultures are usually not given presidency. Individuals tend to concentrate on proper spelling and diction rather than the deep-seated issues related to the language. The practiced discourse around the training prevents culture form structure through redirecting the focus in language pedagogy to technical issues and education in a limited sense that it excludes the economic, social and political matters.

Another significant point that critics point out is that the spread of English in the periphery is that English tends to blunt the creativity of the educated individuals in the society. Individuals in the periphery surrender or are inclined towards adopting the intermediate language fully. Such people consider English as the appropriate language to deal with the complex and sophisticated matters of life. Furthermore, the individuals acquire an adulatory mentality to English where they start to devalue and look down upon the indigenous languages. The behavior is referred to as linguistic imperialism since it has a subtle way of warping the minds, aspirations, and attitudes of even the noblest in a community and hinders them from appreciating the full value that comes with indigenous languages. It is somewhat taken as a superior language by such individuals while they disregard their local languages. Moreover, Crystal (2012) points out that the activity encourages a cultivation of an elite class who might take advantage of the possibility to think and work quickly in their local language while manipulating such that it creates a language gap between them and the local people. “The English language is not a monolith but a catchall category for all its varieties—linguistic and functional—hence the term World Englishes,” Matsuda & Matsuda (2013)

English has a history where it is associated with cruelty and violence as realized during the colonial era. Therefore, re-introducing the language could be perceived as a threat to future dominance. Acquiring one language across the world could also be interpreted as an unwillingness to accommodate other cultures or disregarding them as unnecessary.

Conclusion

It is apparent that creation of a local language has several advantages as well as disadvantages. There is mutual intelligibility, added advantage when it involves career aspirations, lesser administrative costs and cultural enrichment among others. On the hand, English is linked to British colonialism and degeneration of other languages as locals adopt it and forget their roots. However, the world needs a common language for communication, for politics, security, and trade. English is constantly developing as a strong language with millions of speakers all over the world. The advantages of spreading English outweigh the disadvantages, therefore, placing it as the best option to unite people by trade and commerce, politics as well as social communication. It is worth noting that the notion that English may lead to the elimination of local languages needs to be researched extensively since many countries all over the world with different languages still maintain them even after learning English as in the case of Nigeria and many other African countries. English remains the most suitable language to unite cultures and to enhance international business.

It is worth noting that a global language minimizes the barriers to entry across the world. In the past, the language barrier prohibited people from doing business in countries far away from their homes. Matsuda & Matsuda assert that in a supervisor in Korea will be able to communicate to all people from different cultural backgrounds using English. In modern day, globalization, including the use of a standard language is useful since people can conduct business, trade or efficiently communicate with other cultures. In this case, the spread of English becomes imperative as people can freely interact with others across the world or conduct research appropriately whether in the field or through the internet. Crystal (2012) points out that use of a single language is the most practical way to speed up international business.

Markedly, the spread of English is crucial to the expansion of knowledge. Many books in academic fields of knowledge are written in English. Therefore, if many people including experts in various fields all over the world learned the language, they can significantly contribute to world knowledge. Also, the experts can work in any country around the world as they can effectively communicate with the local people using English. The spread of English, in this case, becomes important as doctors can travel around the world to search for cures for various diseases, engineers can travel the world to enhance their innovations while IT gurus can work anywhere in the world to make the world a global village. The logical value of learning the language is opened up by the widespread of the language.

The other importance of spreading the English language involves enrichment of different languages and cultures. Matsuda & Matsuda (2010) say that English now serves as a global lingua franca and is increasingly used by both native and non-native speakers as a means of intercultural communication. Notably, as languages come together, they become enriched through borrowing and lending of certain aspects of each one of them. Subsequently, the proliferation of English leads to the development of local varieties in the periphery. For instance, Crystal (2012) argues that some indigenous groups such as the Indian writers have a well developed local readership where they adopt a different orientation to their writing making them comfortable with their local varieties. In this case, the spread of English in different countries should be perceived as a springboard for improving communication rather than a threat to local languages (Matsuda & Matsuda, 2010). It is clear that appreciating the differences in language and culture as well as the aspect of negotiating diversity assists varieties of English speaking communities to bridge the communication gap.

In another example to underscore the importance of spreading English across communities is the case of Japan. The government introduced a discourse of Kokusaika which means internalization which advocates for English acquisition to explain and express the Japanese viewpoints openly in the world. Therefore, the addition of English allows the Japanese people to convey their culture and traditions to different people the world over. The activity could be replicated in other countries where the governments can encourage acquisition of English to let the world know about their traditions and culture.

English is seen as a useful tool that can be used to unite individuals living in a multicultural and multilingual country. Read More