Why A Global Language By David Crystal Summary

In his article, “Why a Global Language?”, David Crystal informs his audience, which seems to be people of all different countries, of the reasoning behind a global language by incorporating concrete examples and common diction choices into a skillfully structured article, beginning with a description of what a global language is, how it achieves this status, and finally the reasons for having a global language, and the need to adopt one. The reason his article is effective is because it successfully unifies this complex idea and makes the article more understandable, allowing him the chance then to persuade his audience to adopt a global language with this technique. His reasoning is explained through his straight forward common sense and concise

He does this by giving clear examples, such as when he states that “without a strong power‐base, of whatever kind, no language can make progress as an international medium of communication” (354), meaning that no language can become global if doesn’t have a strong origin. For example, English would be a successful global language because it’s the language of the most influential and powerful country in the world. By giving a detailed picture as to how a language achieves its global status, Crystal is able to give his readers a better understanding of what a global language really is. This then leads to his next point; why a language is accepted by other countries, and how they implement it.

Now that a language has strong support behind it, it also needs to be accepted by other countries in order for its use, to be spread. He begins by explaining that in order for this to take place; a country has to begin by changing their official language, or a second‐language, by prioritizing its foreign language education to meet the standards of creating a global language that would sweep across its communities in that region and beyond. He then states that the reasons why a country would choose an

He continues writing, “The chief international forum for political communication – the United Nations – dates only from 1945” (357). He gives concrete evidence of an organization that tried to implement a global language or identity but implies that a global language can do much better. He implies that a global language could better solve problems in the world, specifically in the political sector, in a sense he using the effectiveness of the

United Nations in comparison of what a global language could do. He continues writing, “And never has there been a more urgent need for a global language” (359). By this he means with 21st century and its complex problems and structures, it is more evident that we need a global language to confront and solve language and cultural barriers. The 21st century has brought about much change in society and its thinking, and Crystal believes that much like technology a global language would be an innovation never before seen and it would break down barriers and create a more synchronized world. He gives concrete ideas on how a global language would be beneficial not only to a country but all its aspects and with