The English language is a powerful tool that has shaped the modern world in countless ways. It has become the dominant language of international communication, business, science, technology, diplomacy, and popular culture.
One reason for the power of English is its widespread use as a second language. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion people speak English as a second language, and this number is growing every year. This means that people from all corners of the globe can communicate with each other, even if they don't share a first language. English has become the lingua franca, or common language, of the world, allowing people from different cultures and backgrounds to connect and exchange ideas.
The dominance of English in education is another factor contributing to its power. English is the primary language of instruction in many universities around the world, and it is often a requirement for admission to top schools. This means that people who want to pursue higher education or research careers may need to learn English in order to access the best resources and opportunities.
In the business world, English is also an important language. Many multinational companies conduct their business in English, and being fluent in English can give job seekers a competitive advantage. In fact, many companies specifically seek out employees who are proficient in English, as it allows them to communicate effectively with clients, partners, and colleagues from around the world.
The influence of English extends beyond the business world, however. It is also the language of the internet, with the majority of online content being written in English. This has made English a crucial tool for accessing information and staying connected in the digital age.
The power of English can also be seen in the way it has influenced other languages. Many words from English have been adopted into other languages, and English has also borrowed words from other languages, reflecting the way it has absorbed and incorporated elements from other cultures.
Overall, the English language has become a dominant force in the modern world, shaping the way we communicate and interact with each other. Its influence is likely to continue growing in the future, making it an important language to learn and master.
The Spread of English Around the World
By saying that language influences the way we think, it should be understood that this does not mean that it absolutely determines the way we think 100% of the time. 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. They can be used to expand the speech community, as a vehicle of cultural or religious enlightenment to deculturize people from their own tradition to the "civilizing process" also belonged distancing from native cultures: the colonizers wanted to introduce European literature to the natives, at the same time remaining ignorant of their indigenous literatures , to gain economic advantage, to control domains of knowledge and information, and for deception. They focused on the present moment, since it is the only moment that will ever exist. From schools, education to international relations, every field of all countries needs the English as their basic medium of communication Denhem, 01-Jan-2012. Together with the language, a whole culture is been imposed to us, we can clearly see the American culture present in all aspects of our lives, like pop music, the Internet, the movies, food and even in the Portuguese Language Dictionaries. Exploring new languages can often lead to discovering and exploring the culture as well.
The power of language: How words shape people, culture
The final chapter looks at the future of English as a global language, focusing on debates about its status within the United States and the possibility of its fragmentation into regional dialects Crystal suggests these might end up coexisting with some form of "World Standard Spoken English". Candidates should also study the way participants in interactions position themselves and others, for example in interviews, debates, consultations, speeches etc. The writer is in favor of English as a global language. More importantly, it means voters taking the time to think about what politicians say, to do research, create informed opinions and not to vote for whoever sounds best in their 30 second sound clips and the media improving its coverage beyond rallies and fights to look at the actual work of governing that is going on and talking about real life policy issues. Individuals can develop and advertise their skills using English on the internet, such as building their own website or taking an online course.