Global English

There is no official definition of "global" or "world" language, but it essentially refers to a language that is learned and spoken internationally, and is characterized not only by the number of its native and second language speakers, but also by its geographical distribution, and its use in international organizations and in diplomatic relations. A global language acts as a “lingua franca”, a common language that enables people from diverse backgrounds to communicate on a more or less suitable basis.

So because of English is so widely spoken, it has been referred to as a “global language”. While English is not an official language in many countries, it is the language most often taught as a second language around the world. It is also, by international standards of communication, the official language for aircraft/airport communication and shipping. Also, in countries with several tribal or ethnic groups speaking different languages, they often choose English as the official language of government, as in Nigeria, India and Papua New Guinea.

Its widespread acceptance as a first or second language is the main indication of its worldwide status. According to the statistics, about 400-500 million people around the world speak English as a first language and about 1.5 billion people speak English as a second language. In other words, one in every 5 people on our planet regularly uses some sort of English - and the percentage is growing all the time.

But there are numerous arguments for and against English as a global language. On one hand, having a global language aids in communication and in the scientific community. On the other hand, it leaves out those who, for one reason or another, are not fluent in the global language.

A secondary concern with respect to the spread of global languages (including major languages other than English such as Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, etc.) is the resulting disappearance of minority languages, often along with the cultures and religions that are primarily transmitted in those languages. Language death caused by English has been particularly pronounced in areas such as Australia and North America where native speakers have been displaced by speakers of English in the process of colonization.

The major varieties of English in most cases contain several sub varieties, such as Cockney slang within British English, Newfoundland English, and the English spoken by Anglo-Quebecers within Canadian English, and African American English within American English. English is considered a language with no variety being clearly considered the only standard. Because of English's wide use as a second language, English speakers can have many different accents, which may identify the speaker's native dialect or language.

Just as English itself has borrowed words from many different languages over its history, English words now appear in a great many languages around the world, indicative of the technological and cultural influence of English speakers.

In spite of these facts, English has emerged as a global language for many reasons. English is the main language used for electronic communication. About 80 percent of all electronic information stored in computers and transferred via internet is in English. Approximately 65 percent of Internet host computers are in the US. In more than 100 countries, people in chat rooms discuss topics and communicate in English.

Besides the reason above, English is greatly necessary for businesses, global corporations, the global economy and commerce. It’s increasingly true as international trade expands every year, bringing new countries into contact. Large corporations have established themselves all over the world in almost every country and all stock and currency markets are so closely tied up. Many of the best MBA programs are taught in English, so speaking it well can put you in a position to get the best training. Most multinational companies require a certain degree of English proficiency from potential employees so in order to get a position with a top company, more and people are learning English.

So to know English is absolutely necessary for every educated person, for every good specialist. Knowing English well is one of the main requirements for graduates of Russian universities, who want to become ICT specialists and to have a successful career.

5. True, false or no information:

1. “Lingua franca”, a common language that enables people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to communicate on a more or less unsuitable basis.

2. English is a “global” language because it’s widely spoken by people over the world.

3. According to the statistics, about 150 million people speak English as a second language.

4. English speakers can have many different accents, which may identify the speaker's native dialect or language.

5. English is the unofficial language of the Internet.

6. Many of the best MBA programs are taught in English, so speaking it very well can put you in a position to get the best training.

7. Unofficially, English is becoming the international language of travelling and tourism.

6. Complete the sentences:

1. A global language acts as…. 2. By international standards of communication, English is the official language for…. 3. English is spoken by about 1.5 billion people as…. 4. The major varieties of English contain…. 5. … now appear in a great many languages around the world. 6. About 80 percent of… stored in computers and transferred via internet is in English. 7. Many of the best… are taught in English.

7. Find in the text the words or phrases which mean the same as:

Родной язык, официальный язык, общий, универсальный, дипломатический, широко распространенный, этический, всемирный, около, появление, многочисленный, быстро, с одной стороны, с другой стороны, малочисленный, заменить, считать, определять, заимствовать, влияние, примерно, работники, образованный.

8. Make a plan of the text. Retell the text according to the plan.

9. Prepare a short summary of the text using the following expressions:

The main idea of the text is….

The problems/statements/points mentioned/discussed/described in the text are….

The text is divided into… logical parts.

The first/ second/ third logical part deals with the problems/statements/points of/ contains information about/ gives the definition of….

In my opinion/ to my mind the text is….