Introduction
Crystal starts by questioning what it means for a language to be international or global and its advantages and disadvantages of having such a language in his book English as a Global Language. He suggests that for a language to be universal, its people political power is a critical factor to be considered. He traces the rise of English to the universal language in his first three chapters. The first chapter surveys its extent of use of English worldwide involving an outline of its spread, second examines some ideas developed in the nineteenth century about English languagen. The third chapter talks about the cultural heritage underpinning the dominance of English and its use in international and diplomatic communications in education, media, and the internet (August et al 2009 p.ss433). It focuses on debates about its status within America and fragmentation possibility into other regions of the world.
Theory and history
A language is considered global if it develops a unique role recognized by all countries of the world. This language must be spoken by a significant number of people in those countries.
English originated from the United Kingdom. A total number of 1.5 billion people are expected English speakers. This is a quarter of the world’s populations. An estimated 375 million people speak English in the whole world as their first language (August et al, 2009 p.433). Those who use English as their second language are estimated to be more than 375 million people. Those using English as a foreign language were found to be 750 million (August et al, 2009 p.433).
American English is the national language of the citizens of the United States. English started in North America with settlers during seventeen century. It took approximately three centuries for it to develop fully, since 17th century to 19th century.
Crystal statement that everybody speaks English now is wrong. Only a quarter of world’s population is known to be using English. Many people speak English as their first language in the USA, Canada, Britain, etc. it was also made official in non-first language States employed in the medium of communication such as governments domain, law, media, and education. English is extensively used in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Singapore and many others. It can also be made a priority as a country’s foreign language. The language is mostly used by students at school and adults as they further their education. English is trained as in many countries including Russia, Germany, Egypt, Spain, China, etc. (August et al 2009, p. 438).
The power of people who speak English made it become a global language. This power includes political power, technological power, cultural power and economic powers. Political forces the role of colonialism in increasing the use of English in the whole world between the 16th century and 19th century. Technological forces during the industrial revolution in 17 and 18th century lead to rapid growth of the American economy adding to increased numbers of English speakers.
Political and military powers- The growth of British Empire resulted in the spread of English language during the 20th century. English was used as one of the official languages with French, and all documents were printed in English as it was accepted by the League of Nations allocating English a special place.
International politics operates in different ways and levels, with English used as a political medium for communication. Televisions showing world politics display their news mostly in English. Non-governmental organizations use English to express adequately their message (August et al 2009, p. 441).
Economics-Britain had become a leading industrial trade nation globally by the end of 19th century. No country could compare its economy to Britain’s economy whose growth was rising at 2% per annum. Britain was a pioneer in industrial growth that included industries like manufacturing, textile, mining and much more for export as it was famously known as the workshop of the world. Most of the revolutionist who used to work for these new technology used English and people who went to Britain to study this new technology had to know English, which increased the number of English speakers.
Cultural practices- The press led to the spread of English globally through new printing technology of mass production and transportation in the 19th century. Several Newspapers written in English also contributed to the dissemination of this language in the USA. Provision of news in English become standard. This increased the status of English in the face of the world (August et al 2009, p. 442).
Advertising- Most publications and advertisements were made in English by the end of the 19th century especially in more industrialized states. Low prices of magazines in the US led to increased circulation of English written magazines. Posters, billboard, electric displays, etc. were also written in English causing English to spread.
Broadcasting- Most broadcasting spread the news through English aiming specifically to an audience outside America such as Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany, etc. Most of these countries showed a major increase of boost English speakers as a result of external broadcasting.
International travel safety- International trips have linguistic effects as language has to be learned, interpreted, and imposed. As more people moved to those English speaking states for business, military operations, conventions, conferences, etc. they learned English causing its use to increase.
Science and technology- English is a significant and important channel of knowledge, particularly in science and technology. Many countries chose English as their official language or as their main foreign languages in schools and institutions. This increased the number of English speakers (August et al 2009 p.444).
The limits and barriers caused through translations are solved when a common language is used. A global language is employed in the form of the economic, political or religious influence of a foreign power. Latin was used as a common language through the Roman Empire. Ligula France primarily develops significant global roles in limited areas of the world such as Kiswahili, French, Spanish English, etc. development of organization such as UNESCO, World Bank, World health, UNICEF, etc. has led to the spread of English as a global language.
There are both advantages and disadvantages when a language becomes a universal language. A global language has the following advantages; global communication is possible, there is no need to learn other languages hence one can concentrate on important issues, and finally, it encourages harmony and peace.
Many people get antagonistic and ambivalent about English, and they reject it failing to give it privileges as official or foreign languages (August et al 2009, p. 450). This happened during first and second world wars were there was an active people reaction against the use of English or the language of former precolonial powers. People promoted the use of their indigenous languages. English remains an unhappy colonial resonance in the minds of many despite the known values and privileges it has.
The French language on the other hand started being recognized once it started encroaching on the Latin language. The French language had traces in the Latin dialect as some words could be found in the Latin language. As industrialization grew so did the French language and this led to the spread of its use. Consequentially as Europe went on to conquer the world the French language grew especially in the colonies. French was used as the main language in ruling the colonies of France. French missionaries and explorers are also credited with the spread of the French language during the course of their Christian work as they had to teach local residents in French. These are some of the core factors that caused the spread of French globally.
Conclusion
Crystal provided an excellent and detailed account of English development as a global language. Language has two important roles including effective communication across localities and it builds cultural and societal solidarity with regions. English has grown over the years to form an integral part of our lives. The development of languages has been progressive with alterations occurring in the English language. The spread of English can be attributed to economic, social and political factors. In relation to the current situation a huge percentage of the world communicates in English as it has been commonly used as an International dialect.
References
August, Diane, Timothy Shanahan, and Kathy Escamilla. "English language learners: Developing literacy in second-language learners—Report of the National Literacy Panel on Language-Minority Children and Youth." Journal of Literacy Research 41.4 (2009): 432-452.
