English is the only global language and other languages cannot compete with it. This means many languages will die out as a result. Is this a good or bad thing?
Language is the main part of communication between different people. People from one culture, community can communicate only if they know each other’s language. Everyone has their mother tongue, and their national language. But there are few languages that are spoken and understood worldwide. Among these few, English is the one spoken, understood, learnt and written globally. Almost all countries of the world have acknowledged this fact that to communicate and to get access to outside world; English is the basic medium of conversation.
Worldwide scholars, scientists, politicians, students and even businessmen have used English as their main course of interaction. So the doubt remains outlaw that any other language can replace English. And with the passage of time, the adoption of this language is increasingly high as compared to other languages. The various universities of the world have adopted this language as a mode of bridge between people from various parts of the world to learn and spread the education through this only global language. According to David Crystal, the most renowned person on languages “without having common language, it would become impossible for the people of different nationalities to learn and communicate” (Crystal, 2003). The writer has given the facts and statistics also, by quoting that about 15 hundred people in the world are those who speak English, understand and work in an environment where only English is workable. His book is about those who love English, work with this language in a comfort zone.
In the book named “World Englishes” written by Kirkpatrick, the grammar and the linguistic approach to the language has been mentioned. The writer in his book has defined the four states of English level, one being the native language, second state being the second language, the third state being the foreign language and the last state defined as the global language. The writer is in favor of English as a global language. This book very deeply discusses the English role as a model, medium of communication and adoption of global language and the impact on socioeconomic cultures of various societies (Kirkpatrick., 2007).
Bernard C. Parley has mentioned in his article that there was a report on CNN, that due to global warming, the people of one city were migrating to other. The risk was that after migration, the culture, the language will be affected. So the writer has mentioned that how the languages can become extinct, how people for their survival adopt the culture and even language.
There is a book published by British Council. According to the book, the main question has been asked by the writer. The writer asks that can someone tell me what will be the future of English language. The book clearly says that in coming century, what will be the main purpose to speak English at the same time who will be the people who will speak and prefer English language (Gradol, 1997).
Importance of English can be seen from historical background:
As David Crystal quoted that if English would not be global language then Bill Gates would not be so much popular with his computer and computer language that is in English. The 19th century is the greatest witness of highlighting English language. Many Britain success stories in the field of industrial developments, educational developments are adopted and preceded in English language. If we look at the history that how and when the English language expanded and took the place of international language, the American capitalism, advancement in technological field and British Colonies are the main factors for the adoption of English as an international language. From that time onwards the business language, the educational language, the technological, economic and political languages all merged into this one and only language that is English.
The fast growing language that is English has caused many people to think over its implications and also has adopted certain code of conduct. The spread of English is stated by many authors in the following words. According to Widdowson (1997), the English language has spreads and adopted by so many people in this world that almost next fifty to sixty years are considered to the years of English language only (Mullany, 25-Feb-2010).
English as a global language:
Many people think that emergence of English as a global language may cause harm to other languages. But the fact is opposite. We should take this step as an affirmative step towards globalization. It is good and efficient to use the language that is accessible to all. If the economic, social development and culture differences can be minimized with the adoption of English as a global language, then it is good and not a bad idea. As the world is getting global in terms of business and trade, education and tourism, the need for the single language emerged with great boom (Northrup, 20-Mar-2013).
Is it a good or bad thing for adopting English as a global language?
The question is too difficult to answer as many advocates the necessary and must implication of English language. From schools, education to international relations, every field of all countries needs the English as their basic medium of communication ((Denhem, 01-Jan-2012). Everyone wants to know the basics of English language to proceed further in their practical lives. But the question is that is it bad or good, so the answer is; it is good. English is only medium of communication; one cannot forget their mother tongue or their national languages. Mother tongue is the one that baby learns at their early stage, but for the growth and development in the world, to compete in the world, it is necessary and fundamental right of every individual person to be adjusted to the time and trends going on in the world. English is the trend, necessity and assurance for the growth, development and success in life. If one learns English, it does not mean that other regional or other national languages will die.
References:
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language. Cambridge University Press.
Denhem, K. ( 01-Jan-2012). Linguistics for Everyone: An Introduction. Cengage Learning,.
Gradol, D. (1997). The Future of English. The British Council.
Kirkpatrick. (2007). World Englishes: Implications for International Communication and English Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.
Mullany, L. ( 25-Feb-2010). Introducing English Language: A Resource Book for Students. Routledge.
Northrup, D. ( 20-Mar-2013). How English Became the Global Language. Palgrave Macmillan,.
