Languages of the Globe
At one of the last world Linguistic Congresses it was reported that people of the Globe spoke almost 3 000 various languages, some of them being spoken by millions of people, others — only by hundreds. Inside this number 13 languages are distinguished as Great ones according to the number of natural speakers. The most widespread language in the world is Chinese. More than 400 mln. people speak English. One of the most expressive, rich and widespread languages is Russian, more than 350 mln. people in various countries speak this language today.
At present the most fashionable languages on the Globe are English and Russian taking into consideration both their distribution rate and volume of printed editions including different books, technical periodicals and newspapers. According to geographical distribution Spanish holds the first place. As to foreign literature in translation, priority is given, first of all, to English and Russian, then to French and German. Today many people start learning Spanish and oriental languages such as Chinese, Japanese and languages of India.
Taking into consideration the distribution rate of several languages including the total number of speakers and states using these languages, the UN (United Nations Organization) chose six languages as its official and workable languages: English, Russian, Chinese, French, Spanish and Arabian. English occupies a special place among them.
Nowadays it is simply essential for people of good will all over the world to know several or at least one foreign language. It is important not only for their personal benefit (use) but also for better understanding between different nations, for learning more about each other history, culture and scientific achievements, for establishing friendly relations and thus for peace and further progress on the Earth.
Задание 2. Найдите в тексте и выпишите английские эквиваленты следующих речевых отрезков:
1) Народы\население земного шара \ земли, 2) говорить на различных языках, 3) знать несколько иностранных языков, 4) выделять Великие языки,5) носитель языка, 6) самый распространенный модный язык в мире, 7) занимать первое место, 8) богатый выразительный язык, 9) по географической распространенности, 10) зарубежная литература в переводе, 11) объем печатных изданий, 12) изучать восточные языки,13)для собственной пользы 14) люди доброй воли, 15) принимать во внимание,16)научные достижения.