The Importance Of English As A Global Language

922 Words2 Pages

English holds the status of being the only global language, causing other languages unable to compete with it. English is becoming very powerful and is widely spoken all over the world, whether as a first or second language. While the dominance of English is eradicating other languages it cannot be discriminated, it is argued that English as a global language is an advantage as it facilitates commerce and trade. There are many disadvantages that outweigh the advantages of having English as a global language, as the death of a language is not good as it causes a loss of one’s identity. When a language slowly dies out, there becomes a global loss of cognitive assets. Crystal.D (2003) explores English as a global language and acknowledges the dangers of having a global language. Hale and Basides (2013) argue the political aspect of a global language, becoming a threat to many nations who are disadvantaged. Zou. H (2012) questions the interrelationship between language, identity and cultural differences of having a global language. Majidi. A (2013) and Genc. B (2010) argues the shift of a global language. While English is powerfully positioned as the first global language, it should always be resisted for its cultural and linguistic hegemony. Having English as a global language, allows many companies to facilitate trade negotiations with one another, furthermore allowing people to communicate with each other without the help of translators. While having English as a global language it cannot be entirely dismissed, it is argued that translation problems from other languages into English cause serious problems for people doing business. (Genc. 2010. P. 3). English as a global language causes other languages to become irrelevant, this... ... middle of paper ... ...fore having a global language causes many people to become unmotivated to learn other languages; however it is up to many people to pass their mother language on to their children. (Majidi. 2013. P. 5) if people paid more initiation in keeping their mother language the case of disadvantage will become diminished. The point is, one’s mother language plays an important role in our life, it is important to keep it, because it shows where we belong in society, and distinguishes one social group from another. Ultimately, English is rapidly rising, causing other languages unable to compete with it, this is not good, as having a global language as the loss of language is considered a loss of identity for all people. While having English as a global language may offer positive aspects for everyone, it can never replace the identity and cultural of ones mother language.

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