(VE) English: The Global Language (by Edgardinho)

Autor: Edgardinho

The era of communication brings with itself other languages and new ways of communicate with the purpose of overcome the English language in popularity. For instance, the world population is changing everyday. Indeed, countries located in Asia are growing so fast. Their lifestyles, cultures, foods and languages are motif of interest for the occidental culture. Although many think that Chinese-Mandarin will be the most popular language in the world; I believe that the future status of English as the global language is assured.

Opponents of English as a global language think that the best technology comes from Asia; consequently many languages such as Chinese-Mandarin are becoming popular. It might be true; however, the majority of computers software are in English. According to the Economist Millennium, “the birth of the computer and its American Operating System gave English a nudge ahead; that of the Internet has given it a huge push” (“The World Language”). In addition, “Windows 7 is a version of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers,” says Wikipedia (“Windows 7”). And it is available in “English.”

Opponents also maintain that “One of the most well-known and spoken language in Asia is Chinese-Mandarin…” (“Asia languages”). They say that it is spoken basically in China and other countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. However, the majority of schools not only in America, but also in Europe highlight the importance of teaching English as a second language. According to The Economist Millennium, “Maybe 250-350 million do or can use English as a second language” (“The World Language”). “In all 20-25 percent of Earth’s 6 billion people can use English,” says The Economist Millennium, “not the English of England…, but English” (“The World Language”).

The final argument advanced by opponents of English as a global language is that nowadays, China has a very important role in the world economy, However, the most popular companies in the world come from the United States and make business with other companies in the world in English. In fact, as business spreads crossing borders, companies that have the necessity to move its executives around and to promote the best of them; encourage the use of English. According to Franchise Update Network, “The food service industry provides a steady and consistent business opportunity. Franchising.com is a resource [English] directory offering advice from franchisors…as well as comprehensive list of…franchises for sale” (“American Food Franchise Opportunities”).

In conclusion, we can see from these few examples the future status of English as the global language is assured for the next 5 years. The production of English computers software, the preference of teaching English as a second language in America and Europe and the determination of companies making business in English support my point of view. We will see what is going to happen in the future.

VE: Informacion variada en ingles

Links:

“The World Language.” The Economist. Millenium Issue 31 Dec. 1999: 85.

“Windows 7.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
07 Mar. 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7>

“American Food Franchise Opportunities.” Franchise Update Network
07 Mar. 2010 <http://www.franchising.com/american_food_franchises/>