English as a world language. English as an international language

Why is English considered an international language?

Undoubtedly, English today is the language of international communication, the main means of communication in the world.

A language acquires the status of “international” due to such factors as:

• widespread in a significant number of countries on different continents and in different cultural environments,
• political and economic influence (use at international diplomatic and business meetings).

For many centuries, English has been one of the most common languages ​​on Earth. Having replaced Spanish, French and German, the English language finally acquired global significance at the end of the 20th century.

Why did English become an international language? Like most of his predecessors, he owes this primarily to colonial policy.

The colonization of North America, Australia, some countries in Africa and Asia and others by Great Britain marked a confident beginning for the spread of the English language, and the English language itself has developed significantly thanks to borrowings from many languages ​​of the world. Currently, the United States of America has a huge influence on the spheres of world business and communication, thereby strengthening the position of English as an international language. English is one of the six official and working languages ​​of the UN.

According to the statistics of Internet requests, most often people need translation from and into English. English-language media, fiction and technical literature are unique in volume and content.

Nowadays in Russia it is the main foreign language studied in school, which has almost completely replaced other languages. Other important languages ​​studied are Spanish, Chinese, French and German.

When choosing a foreign language to study, it is necessary to take into account the geographical proximity of neighboring countries, for example, in Vladivostok it is most advisable to learn Chinese, in addition to English, and Finnish in St. Petersburg.

Around the world, the growing interest in the English language highlights the need for a new approach to learning and, as a result, to teaching. The reason for this is the improvement of communication technology in terms of human relations and the need to introduce an international language in the world. Among those proposed, the most likely is English as an international or world language. As a result, English as an international language with a relative conceptual basis is being established as a viable global means of communication, which is offered, for example, for study with an individual education program like Mytishchi English.

English is an international language

This article is an attempt to evaluate the international language adoption model and its underlying assumptions in order to explore the possible effects and changes it brings about.

1. What is English as an international language? In the new millennium, English is one of the most important means for gaining access to intellectual and technical resources in the world. Although it must be admitted that this is a relic of British colonization or a sign of American cultural imperialism. However, English is now seen less as a symbol of imperialism and more as a more viable candidate for the world's most important international language. At the moment in world history, English is the main language of wide communication. It is used as a language library, as a medium for science, technology, international trade, and as a contact language between peoples and countries.

2. The use of English by people of different nations to communicate with each other.
The function is associated with the use of English by people of different nations and different cultures. It is conceptually different from Basic English and Language for Specific Purposes, in the sense that it is not limited to any specific area. The language is not artificial like Esperanto, which is spoken by only 2 million people, while About 377 million speak English as a native language, as a second language by about 375 million. About 750 million people speak English as a foreign language. The language has official status in 75 countries with a population of over 2 billion. Thus, English differs from Esperanto in the sense that the language is exclusively natural and is able to receive international recognition.

3. Language is cross-cultural, which is characterized by changes in linguistic and cultural behavior. The use of English and any other language is always associated with culture, but the language itself is not associated with any particular culture or political system.

4. It is universally used in international trade, diplomacy and tourism and is studied by more people than any other language.
As a typical example, the German Chancellor and the French Prime Minister speak English during negotiations. This example should in no way be interpreted as a sign of a decline in the native language or culture. Rather, it is portrayed as an available resource for creating mutual intelligibility. English in all its linguistic and sociolinguistic aspects is used as a means of communication between non-native speakers as well as between any combination.

Thus, it seems topical issue of language, as people in all parts of the world are adequately equipped with this effective tool.

Of greatest interest to us is the consideration of the impact of the globalization process in linguistics. The linguistic side of globalization is manifested in the emergence of a super-giant language, which is now English, which is beginning to play the role of a global language in the world.

In the conditions that have gripped the entire modern world community of global changes, the complication of life and the acceleration of rhythms, the revolution in the field of media, the expansion of international political contacts, the integration of the world economy and finance, communication is becoming increasingly important [Anxiety of the World 1997:12].

In the process of resolving various problems and life situations, the socially integrative function of communication is manifested, which consists of focusing on social partnership, dialogue, and therefore on the formation of “communication networks,” that is, the “substance” of sociality in which they arise, reproduce, and interact. and various subjects of sociocultural action develop [Dridze 1998:146].

According to N.Yu. Makeyokina, communication is becoming more and more complex, becoming a powerful effective means, an organizing force that influences all spheres of society. Currently, the success of solving many problems depends on the possession of information, on the choice of the right partner, and, in a broader sense, on the correct choice of communication strategies. One of the important points in the study of communication problems is its sociocultural characteristics and the conditions in which certain information constructs are distributed: cultural, subject, and others [Makeyokina 1997:5].

In this case, some aspects of text exchange are important, in particular, the linguistic characteristics of information and the “organization” of communication. In this regard, the main problem is to identify the “working languages” of communication. One of the main modern trends in this area is a process called “English-language expansion” [Smirnova 2000:34].

English-language expansion is a complex and contradictory linguo-sociocultural phenomenon, due to many psychological and historical factors associated, in particular, with the post-war establishment of the United States on the world stage and, as a consequence, with the widespread spread of English as the leading language of international communication. However, at present, English-language expansion is acquiring a new meaning, the essence of which lies in the close connection of this process with global civilizational changes. In a certain sense, the English-language expansion itself can be attributed to globalization processes. Therefore, for an adequate analysis and understanding of the essence of the phenomenon under study, it is necessary to consider it in the light of the dramatic changes that have occurred in world politics, economics and social life in recent years - that is, in the context of the era of globalization.

The specific form that communication takes in the context of global changes, and in this case the manifestation of such characteristics as English-language expansion, largely depends on the actual relationships between the partners of the world community, on the balance of power, on the potential and place of each partner.

Today, a certain determinism has developed in the world: the United States, to a greater extent than other industrial and technologically advanced powers, assumes the function of a center not only in the field of economics, finance and entrepreneurship, but also in the field of culture, science, education, media and information. technologies. Accordingly, in the field of forms of linguistic embodiment of cultural norms and patterns, the greatest influence today belongs to the same United States. In particular, according to M.V. Smirnov, the most important place in the modern culture of globalization, including language, is played by the recently appeared Internet. The language of this new phenomenon is Anglo-American, since most specialists in this field live in English-speaking countries. As a matter of fact, 99% of its contribution is American, all other shares are negligible [Smirnova 2000:35].

Thus, we can conclude that modern world culture in the era of globalization is highly American-centric. It is based on the enormous achievements of the cultures of various countries, largely inherited and enriched by the United States. That part of world culture that is today called “the culture of the era of globalization” actually has quite strong American roots, since the United States, until recently, was at the forefront of the globalization process.

According to D. Crystal, since the 60s of the 20th century, the spread of English as a truly global language has led to the fact that it began to play an unprecedented role throughout the world. This is the first time in history that such a situation has arisen, and its consequences are unpredictable. No one can foresee what will happen in the future to a language spoken by a huge number of people. And in the case of English, this is a quarter of the world's population. Will it be unified, or, on the contrary, will new variants of the language emerge? No one can say what path the development of a language will take if more people use it as a foreign language rather than as their native one. By the beginning of the 21st century, for the English language this ratio was three to one. English has moved from Great Britain, America and other English-speaking countries to countries where it is considered a second or foreign language. This fact could have a serious impact on its future, which so far seems very vague and uncertain [Crystal 2001:5-6].

Without a doubt, we can say that the English language gained its greatest influence in the world in the 20th century. This, undoubtedly, was facilitated by the cultural heritage of the people speaking this language. The first steps to strengthen the political role of the English language were taken in 1919 - after the end of the First World War. The former German colonies in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East were transferred to the control of the victorious countries. However, the rise of English through political expansion has already begun to slow. In the post-war period, what was much more important to him was how the cultural heritage of the colonial era and the achievements of the technical revolution were perceived in the world. At this new stage, the English language began to manifest itself as a means of communication in rapidly developing areas of activity, that is, in areas that were gradually to determine the nature of everyday and professional life of the 20th century.

The use of English as one of the official languages ​​in the work of international organizations has made a significant contribution to its development as a language of international communication. The first international organization to give the English language special status was the League of Nations. By the time of the first session, 42 states were its members. In 1945, the United Nations came into existence, in whose structure English also served as one of the main languages. English is the official or working language in sessions of most other major international organizations, namely the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Free Trade Association and so on.

The development of print media also played a major role in the spread of the English language. In the mid-19th century, the role of the largest news agencies sharply increased. At this time, the Reuters news agency appeared, which had the most significant correspondent network of any of its competitors on the European continent. With the emergence of the New York Associated Press news agency in the United States in 1856, most of the world's information transmitted by telegraph was in English.

By the end of the 19th century, social and economic factors led to an increase in the use of advertising. English began to be used in advertising quite early. And the origins of the development of advertising again began in the USA. In Europe, the influence of advertising on consumers was much less than in America, since it was strictly controlled on television. However, with the development of commercial television for advertising, a period began to capture the markets for goods and services. As a result, by 1972, only three of the world's thirty largest advertising agencies were not US owned. The official language of international advertising organizations, such as the European Association of Advertising Agencies, has always been and remains English. Radio and television broadcasting and the film industry also played and continue to play a significant role, where the United States, and accordingly the English language, have the largest share of participation. Cinema was one of two forms of entertainment that emerged in the late 19th century. The other was sound recording, where from the very beginning to the present day English has been of paramount importance.

Also, one of the factors in expanding the meaning of the English language is such a concept as international security. A special aspect of international security is the use of language as a means of managing international transport communications, and, above all, on water and in the air. In 1980, a project to create an international maritime English language began. Despite the fact that Maritime English is much poorer than the regular language, it has sufficient expressiveness.

In recent years, progress has also been made in developing uniform communication systems between organizations responsible for responding to emergencies on land. This applies mainly to fire fighting, emergency medical services and police services. This system is called the “language of emergency situations.”

The impetus for the creation of languages ​​with a limited vocabulary was mainly the need for the normal functioning of the air traffic control service. To more clearly perceive speech in the air, a system of English was developed, which is currently known as “aviation English” [Crystal 2001:165].

So, we can say that the English language in many ways opens up access to the treasury of world knowledge, especially in areas such as science and technology, and this is the basis for education. The reason why in recent years many countries have given English the status of an official language or chosen it as the main foreign language in their schools is precisely the opportunity to receive a good education. Since the 60s, teaching has been conducted in English in higher educational institutions in many countries. Since most students will constantly be exposed to monographs and periodicals in English, in order to better prepare them for this work, it would be advisable to teach in it. In many cases, teachers also find themselves facing multilingual audiences as universities and colleges continually increase their intake of international students. All this speaks in favor of English as the most common language of international communication.

One of the main reasons why a language gains international status is the political power of the peoples speaking it and especially their military power. However, the influence and authority of an international language is not the result of the military power of its speaking peoples alone, who can impose their language on others. To preserve and further spread it, a developed economy is necessary. However, economic factors only became critically important at the beginning of the 20th century, when they began to operate on a global scale thanks to improvements in communication technology and the emergence of large transnational corporations.

We can agree with D. Crystal that under these conditions, any language that found itself at the center of world economic life could suddenly become international. The English language, thanks to a coincidence of circumstances, found itself in the right place at the right time [Crystal 2001: 25-26].

Increasing the number of people who speak global languages ​​has both positive and negative aspects. The existence of such a language could lead to the formation of a monolingual elite group of people with prejudice against other languages. Persons for whom English is their native language have the opportunity to think faster and thereby gain an advantage in work and everyday life. It is possible that using a language of international communication may have a negative impact on the desire to learn other languages.

The presence of a universal language of communication can cause a process of gradual disappearance of languages ​​of national minorities or even make the presence of all languages ​​of the world unnecessary.

In addition, according to E.V. Khapilina, peoples are being “pushed” away from their original path of development. Based on this position, there is an opinion that globalization causes irreparable harm to the uniqueness of nations. As a result of globalization, a number of languages ​​are being replaced, which until recently played a certain role in the exchange of information between people [Khapilina 2005:66].

These concerns cannot be ignored, although on the other hand, many do not see anything wrong with the fact that humanity will use one language of communication, which will avoid many misunderstandings in communication, and will even more contribute to the unification of the inhabitants of the planet. Currently, the English language is more likely to become a language of international communication, but whether it will become one and for how long it will remain so is a controversial issue, since we can observe a large number of historical examples when a particular language acquired great importance in the world and after some time lost it. But if the English language nevertheless takes the place of an international language, then where is the guarantee that under the influence of other languages ​​of the world, with bilingualism, the English language under the influence of interference will not change beyond recognition in different areas of the planet, which will entail the emergence of a large number of its variants, perhaps very different from modern English.

Of course, we cannot deny that a language may have certain properties that make it attractive for international communication. This may include the relative “understandability” of the English language. This can be explained by the fact that over the course of several centuries the English language borrowed many new words from the languages ​​with which it was in close contact. This gives it a certain cosmopolitan character, which many see as an advantage for its use on a worldwide scale.

The transformation of English into a global language is already a fait accompli. The prevalence of the English language is also associated with the fact that in many countries it is the second official language. In countries where English does not have official status as a second language, many speak English as a foreign language. Status differences between a second language and a foreign language are not important for a person who speaks English, but they are important for the language itself. Proclamation of English as the second official language gives the country the right to set local language standards, which are recorded in dictionaries.

However, throughout the 20th century, situations arose several times when the status of the English language was in question. Sometimes speakers of a local language believe that it needs protection because its existence is threatened by another language. In such cases, the country takes measures to preserve the local language by giving it special status. For example, the Welsh language in Wales, Irish in Ireland, and French in Quebec, Canada received a certain status [Crystal 2001:126].

Among countries where English is used as a second language, the decision to give it official status is usually made to avoid having to choose between competing local languages.

It is difficult to estimate how many people use English as a second language. It is not clear what level of knowledge makes a person an anglophone, so estimates from different experts vary widely. According to some estimates, their number ranges from 350 to 518 million. Data on the number of people who speak English as a foreign language differ even more - from 100 million to 1 billion [Khapilina 2005:67].

Despite such wide disagreements in calculations, most scholars agree that the number of people who speak English as a second or foreign language has exceeded the number of native speakers. However, most people who use English do not speak it perfectly.

In countries where about 95% of the population speaks English, such as England and the USA, there is an opinion that the status of the English language will remain unchanged. But even minor changes in the social balance of these countries can have serious consequences for the main language of the country. Therefore, to maintain the status of a language, constant strengthening is necessary.

And although at this stage we can say that English can be considered a language of international communication or a global language, we cannot say with absolute certainty that it will be able to maintain these positions and strengthen them. In the history of linguistics one can find many examples of this phenomenon. Thus, during the Middle Ages, no one would have dared to assume that the Latin language had no future. No one would have believed in the 18th century that very soon polite and well-mannered people would be able to communicate not only in French, but in any other language. Therefore, when thinking about the future of English as a world language, we must analyze some patterns and trends that may hinder this phenomenon.

There are situations when the people of a particular country experience such a hostile attitude towards the English language that they refuse to give it the status of an official or first foreign language. This attitude arises as a reaction to protect one’s native language, a symbol of national identity and individuality. Most people have a natural desire to speak their native language and to see its further development. Imposing the language of another culture does not evoke positive emotions in them. Many people associate the English language with the colonial period, when society had a contemptuous attitude towards local languages. If a certain number of countries take this position, then resolving the issue of assigning the status of a world language to English will be very problematic.

However, the influence of English in the world is great and continues to grow every year. We can only guess what this process will lead to.

Today, several languages ​​are the most widespread in the world - they are spoken in many countries and over vast territories. These are German, French, Spanish, Arabic and even Russian. However, only English among them ranks first in terms of distribution. It is a native or foreign language for a huge number of people on the planet. And there are several reasons for this.

Historical background

At all times, conquering countries that conquered other cities and states tried to instill in them their culture and language. This was the case during the Roman Empire, which spread Latin to the entire coast of the conquered Mediterranean. The same thing happened during the era of British supremacy at sea. Spreading its influence further and further - from Malta and Egypt to the countries of America, Australia, New Zealand, Sudan, India - Great Britain imposed its rules on the conquered territories from the 17th century. Thus, dozens of states emerged around the world whose native language became English.

In many of them, it later turned into a state one; this happened mainly in those territories that the British conquered from local savages, for example, in the USA, New Zealand, and Australia. Where statehood had already been formed, or another country took an active role in the conquests, there were several official languages ​​- this happened in India and Canada. Now Great Britain is no longer considered the main colonial country, but its historical and cultural heritage still lives on in the previously conquered states.

Globalization and economic power

The world is on the verge of globalization, distances are being shortened by rapid transport, borders are becoming increasingly open, people have the opportunity to travel around the world, do business in different countries, and engage in global trade. All countries are connected with each other in one way or another, so they need a common means of communication - a single language. In the context of developing globalization, English is recognized as the most convenient language as the ideal language.

Its spread is also helped by the fact that since the 19th century, the United States has taken up the policies of Great Britain in the economic and political aspects, and today they are carrying out a fairly tough conquest of the economic market and strengthening political influence in other countries. The language of the strongest country, as a rule, becomes the language of universal communication.

Ease of communication

English is the first language of more than 400 million people and a foreign language for more than 1 billion people on the planet. The number of English learners is constantly growing. In addition, this particular language is relatively simple, which makes it convenient for quick learning and, of course, this also contributes to its mass distribution. Today, only the British themselves do not allow themselves to actively study a foreign language at school or university, because everyone around them speaks English. For residents of other countries, such neglect is not typical - they begin to learn languages ​​from a very young age, sometimes from kindergarten and the first grades of school.

English is the language of world communication. A language that unites millions of people around the world. Why is English considered an international language? Today we invite you to look into history and find the answer to this question.

How English became international: historical background

Triumph of England. International trade - international language

English has not become an international language as quickly as it seems. It all started back in the 17th century, when England ceased to be a country that was being conquered, and became a conquering country, being very successful in this matter. The English fleet was one of the strongest in the world. All sea routes were subject to the British. Most of the land - half of North America, many countries in Africa and Asia, Australia, India - was under the rule of the British crown.

The English language has penetrated to all corners of the globe. At that time, the most important task for England was to establish trade relations. Naturally, the language of the dominant and more developed country relegated local languages ​​to the background. The golden rule worked here - whoever has the gold rules, he chooses which language to speak. England gave impetus to the emergence of the world economy and the development of international relations in the 18th century; it was the English language that was used for trade.

Even when the colonized countries gained independence, trade relations with Great Britain continued to develop, and the English language remained. Firstly, because the languages ​​of the conquered countries lacked the necessary words: there were no terms for trading. Secondly, because English had already taken root in this area and the locals knew it well. Anyone who wanted to earn their living had to communicate in English.

Did the English-speaking races make it their rule to speak anything else than English, the marvelous progress of the English tongue throughout the world would stop.

If the English people recognized anyone's language other than their own, the latter's triumphal march would cease.

But why then did not English become the native language in Asian and African countries? Because the British did not move to these countries as en masse as, for example, to America, and did not spread their language, their culture and their way of life. Great Britain introduced a system of government and education into the conquered countries. English was used in certain areas, but it was not the language of communication, the language of the people.

In India, the English language is much more deeply rooted than in many other countries. For 30% of Indians, English is their native language. Although more than 400 languages ​​are used in India besides Hindi, only English is the second official language. You can read more about the peculiarities of the English language in India in the article “Indian English or Hinglish”.

America Rising

Another compelling reason that predetermined the use of English as an international language was the conquest of the New World and America. The British were not the only settlers. In addition to English, French, Spanish, German, and Dutch were spoken in America. At the beginning of the 20th century, the question of national unity arose: something had to unite the country and the people who live in it. And the English language in this case acted as a connecting link.

The United States has had a strict policy of language suppression, despite the fact that America does not have a single official language. Official documents were compiled only in English. Many states have banned education in all languages ​​other than English. This policy has borne fruit. If the American government had not supplanted other languages, then Dutch, Spanish or any other language could have become the national language. Then and now we would not talk about English as an international language.

In the second half of the 20th century, England faded into the background, and the era of America began. After World War II, most powers were preoccupied with the reconstruction of their countries. In turn, the United States suffered less than others and continued to develop in all directions: economic, diplomatic, political and military. The country was especially active in developing economic relations. America made the right choice by continuing the English tradition. American goods have flooded all countries. Naturally, to carry out an economic transaction you need a common language, and again this language became English. Why? Probably for the same reason as in the 17th century - whoever is stronger is right.

US influence has increased over time. But it is not enough just to win the championship, it is important to maintain it. If trade played a key role for England in the 18th century, America occupied its niche in history for other reasons:

1. The advent of the computer and the Internet

   Any country benefits from having an international language. Being one of the most powerful countries in the world, America pursued a language policy precisely in the direction of globalizing its language. And the key role was played by the fact that two inventions appeared in the United States, without which our life is unthinkable - the computer and the Internet. These means of instant dissemination of information have greatly contributed to the globalization of the English language.

2. American lifestyle fashion

   In the second half of the 20th century, against the backdrop of post-war and dilapidated countries, the United States looked very attractive. The “American Dream” seemed to be an ideal, and residents of different countries sought to at least somehow get closer to this ideal, and language is one of the ways to get closer. Films, music, and youth movements came to us from overseas and brought with them English-speaking culture.

Why is English today an international language?

1. English is a world language

Today, English has become an international language and is the most widely spoken in the world. More than 400 million people speak English as a first language, 300 million speak it as a second language, and another 500 million have some knowledge of English.

2. English - the language of trade and business

In many countries, English occupies a very important place as the language of diplomacy, trade and business. 90% of global transactions are concluded in English. Global financial funds and exchanges operate in English. Financial giants and large corporations use English no matter what country they are in.

3. English is the language of education

English is the most popular foreign language in schools. The most prestigious universities in the world are English-speaking. In countries where English is the second official language, students prefer to study in English. Knowledge of English makes it possible to get a good education and build a successful career.

4. English is the language of travel

The large-scale travel of the British over two centuries bore fruit. In the 21st century, English is the language of travel. No matter what country you go to, you will be understood in English everywhere. , in a restaurant, at a bus stop, you can talk to the locals.

5. English - the language of science and technology

English has become the language of the 21st century - the century of technical progress and information technology. Today, all instructions and programs for new gadgets are written in English. Scientific reports, articles, reports are published in English. 90% of Internet resources are in English. The vast majority of information in all areas - science, sports, news, entertainment - is published in English.

English has become the language of youth culture. American actors, actresses, musicians have been and remain idols of more than one generation of people. Hollywood is still the undisputed leader of the film industry today. Cult American action films and blockbusters are watched in English all over the world. From America came jazz, blues, rock and roll and many other styles of music that are still popular today.

7. English is a universal language

In addition to all of the above, the English language is beautiful, melodic and easy to learn. English has one of the richest vocabularies in the world, but it also has simple grammar. The words themselves attract each other, forming concise and understandable sentences. The international language should be simple and understandable to everyone. Perhaps we are very lucky that it was such a simple language that united the world. Read why English is easy to learn compared to other languages ​​in our article.

What a thorny path a language can take over the course of several centuries! Today we can say with confidence that in the 21st century English is the No. 1 international language. It is difficult to say how long it will remain international. But, definitely, this status will remain for many more decades.