Re:The impact of English as a global language on non- English speakers
Good evening and happy Ramadan to my lecturers and to all my classmates.Basically, the topic which concerned the impact of English as a globallanguage on non -English speakers nations communities is quite interestingbecause we are learning English and we are non -English speakers. so thequestions always what makes English a global language?What makes English aleading candidate?Why is English the global language?The answer is actually dueto :one is geo-historicaland the other is socio-cultural .The geo-historicalreasons focus on the past and show how English reached its position ofpre-eminence.The socio cultural perspectives show why it has remaindso.Crystal(1998:24) delves into a detailed and interesting history, tracing themovement of English around the world. English is now represented in everycontinent, and in islands of the three major oceans.It is this sperad ofrepresentation which makes the application of the label "globallanguage" areality.The socio-cultural explanation looks at the way people all over the world, inmany walks of life, have come to depend on English for their well-being. Thelanguage has penetrated deeply into the international language domains ofpolitical life ,business, safety, communication, entertainment, the media andeducation.The convenience of having a lingu franca available to serve globalhuman relations and needs has come to be appreciated by millions.Several domainshave come to depend on it- the computer software industry being a prime example.Graddol (1997) emphasises the strength of the internationalisation of English.He lists the major international domains of English.They are:Working languageof international organisation and conference.Scientific publication.International banking, economic affairs and trade.Advertising for global brands.Audio-visual cultural products (eg.films, TV, popular music)International tourism .International safety(eg."airspeak","seaspeak")International Law.As a" relylanguage" in interpretation and translation.Technology transfer.Internet communication.In conclusion, a crucial lesson must be taken that we as learners we shouldmaster English and not English masters us in order to protect our identities sothat we obtain knowledge in science and technology and facilitatescommunications for trade and business.Therefore, we need to learn from the past,appreciate the present and with strength face the future.