ENGLISH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD
English is the Most Important Language in The World
It is common nowadays to learn about different nationalities trying to learn English as their second language. While they may have different reasons over learning English, may it be for education, leisure or business; people often denote that learning English would be a vital asset should a person wishes to venture in areas that require the knowledge of the language. Despite the obvious benefits of learning English in the current context, there are still people who believe that learning such language should not be given too much importance as people could still utilize their own native dialects while in their homelands and still visit other nations with another foreign language. However, it is undeniable that English is now becoming the universal language used in the world today. The English language is the most influential language in the world for three reasons international business, international diplomacy, and language of international travel.
In the field of international business, English is noted to be the lingua franca of the globe, making it the universal language in terms of transacting with other companies or sellers. According to Sternkopf (2005), international business sees English as the lingua franca, enabling business to flourish without communication problems. Several studies have already been done to see the preferred language of companies when it comes to dealing with fellow companies or the language skill set of their employees. In the study done by Stemkopf, 97.1% of companies believed and noted that English is extremely crucial for their business. Other studies supported Stemkopf such as a 1999 study, wherein 81% companies noted that they use English very frequently for business communications since it is the language which is used in international business. Without English, it would be impossible to create documentation, reports and analysis when it comes to stock shares, profit and offering new stocks in the market. The study done by Sternkopf noted that English is crucial in creating material for international sales and investors. At least 90% of companies noted to have participated in the study utilize English marketing material. The need for English in their business material also comes with a condition that it must be correct in grammar and composition. Utilization of English in business materials does not only benefit resident speakers of the language, but it also benefits the non-native speakers of English. Businesses also utilize English in terms of their daily activity, from making phone calls, meetings, presentations, and responding to inquiries. Businesses and companies find themselves updated as well by English-written magazines, articles, trading letters, and even for print. Without English, it is impossible for businesses to keep up with the international business sector unless another language is applicable to the receiving company or market.
In addition to the use of English in fostering and managing business, English also provides a means for communication when outside their home territories. Sternkopf’s study noted that many companies use English when they are transacting with English-speaking countries, notably US, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. In their end, English-speaking countries often use English to speak with non-English speaking countries in the European Union, East Europe, and even in the Asian and African regions. This reflects that English is not only a flexible language for native and non-native speakers. In this extent, Sternkopf added that English is primarily used since it is a common form of communication for anyone in the business. With English being the foremost language for everyday business, international transactions and even communication, businessmen and conglomerates would find English to be the practical language to use .
International diplomacy also favors the English language not only as the lingua franca or universal language, but it also presents several benefits upon usage. The first benefit of the English language is that it enables international organizations, NGOs, governments and other influential bodies to create a written text of reports, status, and missives for the public in a language easily understood. According to Kappeler (2001), written texts are the vital mediums in diplomacy that reflects the outcome of various activities of organizations and governments. Since these texts reflect the position of diplomatic groups and governments over certain topics, issues and controversies, these texts are normally shared with various parties. In the past, French has been used to write written texts or documents to different installations. Even the United States and the UK had to use French in sending diplomatic notes in the 18th century. However, with the introduction of English as a universal language in the early 19th century, diplomats saw the benefits of writing written texts in English, especially for those who cannot easily train in the French language. English was also becoming a dominant diplomatic language in many nations such as the Asian and Middle Eastern regions. Writing diplomatic documents in English also enabled the public to understand the issues being faced in the international community and assess its positive and negative effects to their life. Eventually, the United Nations saw English as one of the major languages to be used for diplomatic documents and texts .
International diplomacy also uses the English language as a means to foster easy negotiations and transactions, especially in times of conflict. According to Callaghan and Schonborn (2004), English is now utilized as the official language for both command directives and peacekeeping as many nations nowadays are proficient or knowledgeable in the language in some degree. They also noted that peacekeeping forces utilize English to work with US and UK contingents sent into the location. In the example provided by the authors, they cited that using English as the main language for command enables groups to communicate with each other in complete faith and pass information without the lack of translation problems.
In addition to aiding peacekeeping and the creation of a universal text for all nations to understand, English also helps nations in sustaining global governance. According to Alexander (2003), English is the nuts and bolts of various cultural and foreign policies, namely of nations using the English language when it comes to presenting their foreign policies to other nations and organizations. This enables other nations to explain their foreign policy goals,and justify them for those who wish to study the policies further. For the United States and UK, utilizing English is their means to allow other nations to understand their foreign policy and at the same time, promote the language to the world. English is also utilized to enforce decisions to programs of the international community for peacekeeping and law-enforcement. With written text in English, governments, personalities and organizations can easily put into action decisions and eventually explain to the public as to what these written documents include .
Finally, English is often seen as the major choice of travellers when it comes to travelling outside the country. According to Crystal (2012) English is practically used as the language to use when flying to any country around the globe. From travel preparations, accommodation selection, assessment of the location and finally the flight plan, everything is offered in English. It is also noticeable that tourism agencies from various nations around the globe utilize English slogans to entice people to visit their countries. Staffs nowadays are also proficient in English to ensure that while a tourist flies to another nation through the nation’s airline, they can easily feel welcome by the staff. Travellers also utilize English whenever they are in another nation as it is the only other language they know aside from their native language. Only a few tourists would utilize their knowledge of the destination’s main language.
Another benefit of using English in travel is the fact that most foreign businesses are now offering English translations of their menu, guides and many others. Most of the tourist spots, guides, businesses and maps are now written or translated in English for those who enter nations who do not usually use English as their principal language. A tourist would also notice that international travel packages are offered in English, and they note that English is an auxiliary language in the country. According to records noted by Crystal in his study, English is now utilized by various establishments so that client tourists can easily browse around the foreign shop and understand the establishment’s history or function. It is also noticeable that even beggars are now making a “business” in tourist locations in English. Artifacts and local auctions are also done in English for those interested tourists. Drivers of all forms of transport are also trained to take requests or orders of tourists in English to understand where they are going.
Finally, most nations nowadays also use English as their second language, enabling foreigners to a different land to communicate better in English While languages differ from each nation, knowing that the country one visits also gives importance to English as a second language can be beneficial if something happens such as accidents, trouble or if one gets lost in the area. Nowadays, English is being taught and used by more than one billion people, which is why it would enable foreigners who also speak in English to communicate with anyone wherever one goes. In some nations, emergency steps and options are in English. In Tokyo, for example, English-speaking policemen, tourist guides, and information staff are in strategic locations to aid tourists who would need help in cases of emergency or accident .
However, there are those who are not supporting the radicalization of the use of English for various purposes. One of the major comments over the English language is the fact that people can still deal with transactions and communication using their native languages while in the country. According to Baker and Jones (1998) English is slowly diminishing the use of native languages, especially indigenous languages as more people are now becoming inclined to use English to communicate and transact even if they are in their home countries. Before English dominated communication and media, local languages dominated the airwaves as it enables even the masses to understand each other and coordinate for any given purpose. Cultures and histories have been an inclusion to local dialects and represent the country to the world. Local languages are a birthright each person in a given nation would have and learning it enables them to express their sentiments easily, putting emotions in each word used. However, English became the dominant language that took over most of the functions of local languages present in the country. Even those who are incapable of learning English are forced to forego basic rights because even materials for filing for food, shelter, and many other commodities are translated in English .
Using English can also present disadvantages for those who are not proficient with the language or have no knowledge of the basics of the language itself. According to Apolzan (2009), using English as a nation or region’s lingua franca can present disadvantages for all non-native speakers of the language. In Europe, for example, many would be placed at a disadvantage if English would become its lingua franca as many nations in Europe have their own dialect. Some would also prefer to use French as their mode of communication because it is mostly the language used by European states to speak with each other. English may also serve as detriment politically and economically as most European locals are unfamiliar with English, except United Kingdom and Ireland. Many have also noted that having the English language as the lingua franca of the region would also present a disadvantage in showcasing European diversity . In connection to the disadvantage for those who are not proficient with English, there is also the problem that English can undermine operations in diplomatic affairs, especially in conflict resolution and command of language. Callaghan and Schonborn noted that if the command of language is only in English, peacekeepers not proficient in the language may find it hard to perform their tasks due to misunderstanding. In meetings, it would also be hard for peacekeepers to discuss the results of their operations with their disadvantage in English. In this end, businesses can also find themselves at a disadvantage in their business operations in English-speaking nations or for the public.
Whether or not one decides to learn English for any purpose, it is undeniable that it has already made a mark in the field of business, diplomacy and travel. This high level of importance now made English the lingua franca or the universal language in any country around the globe. On the one hand, it is true that one can still utilize their languages should they transact inside their home countries and fellow nations using the similar form of language. Some would even find it impractical to learn English especially if they could transact, travel and discuss government issues with other foreign languages. While English can be utilized as a major form of language to speak to other nations, one is also privileged to select his own preferred foreign language to deal with others. On the other hand, English as the lingua franca presents a common medium to interact with other nations, overcoming the language barrier. Whether it may be for business or travel or diplomacy, the English language enables both non-native speakers and native speakers to set a universal method to understand concepts, information and each other.
References
Alexander, R. (2003). G.lobal L.anguages O.ppress B.ut A.re L.iberating, Too: The Dialectics of English. In C. Mair, The Politics of English as a World Language: New Horizons in Postcolonial Cultural Studies (pp. 87-96). New York: Rodopi.
Apolzan, I. (2009). Does Europe need one language?: An analysis of the challenging linguistic diversity in the European Union. Norderstedt: GRIN Verlag.
Callaghan, J., & Schonborn, M. (2004). Warriors in Peacekeeping: Points of Tension in Complex Cultural Encounters: A comparative study based on experiences in Bosnia. Munster: LIT Verlag Munster.
Crystal, D. (2012). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kappeler, D. (2001). Language and Diplomacy. Malta: University of Malta Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies.
Sternkopf, S.-M. (2005). English in Marketing: International Communication Strategies in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. Berlin: Frank and Timme.
