English in the world case studies

Languages that may be considered global

English

• Considered to be THE global language and the most powerful and influential language of the world.

• It is a lingia franka meaning that when native speakers of different languages interact with one another and do not understand each others languages, the most common language they will communicate in will be English.

• Historical spread: mostly through colonisation and the cultural and economic dominance of America in the 20th century when it become a super power, creating political and economic dominance, accelerating the usage of global English. Also, the influence of the industrial revolution increasing the usage of english through increase in trade, advancements of technology, and urbanisation attracting people which created the need for there to be a common language, which was English.

• English is the language of the internet, science, and global media (look at week 14 learn lessons for more info about english)

• First language speakers: around 360 million

• Second Language speakers: ?

• Official language in around 67 countries

• Overall number of speakers: over 1 billion

Mandarin Chinese

• China’s growing economic power could pose a future threat to english with the influence and spread of Mandurian Chinese. Although as Linguist David crystal suggests, it would be impossible to directly predict the future of english, or any language due to its consistent evolution.

• Function: China’s role in global marketing and business and how mandarin is being increasingly studied, this enhances its economic and political power as its widespread trade allowing the country to become incredibly wealthy. Also used in governance and for culture, with the language becoming increasing apparent in science and technology.

• Historical spread: through migrations, conquest and
  trade

• First language speakers: 920 million

• Second language speakers: over 200 million

• Spoken as a first language in 3 countries

• Overall speakers: Over 1 billion

• Mandurian Chinese is not considered to be spoken Widley enough to be considered as a global language despite have over 1 billion speakers.

Arabic

• Historical spread: conquest, trade with the expansion of Islam, becoming the language of religion, science and trade across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

• First language speakers: 310 million

• Second language speakers: over 270 million

• Spoken as a first language in 22 countries

• Its lack of reach outside these countries is why it is not considered a global language.

French

• Historical spread: through colonisation, diplomacy and cultural influence. Used to be the language of the European courts and international treaties and spread as far as Europe, Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia.

• First language speakers: 77 million

• Second language speakers: over 200 million

• Spoken as a first language in 29 countries

• Frenches cultural and political influence has declined believed to be due to the rise of english

Global english

Aviation and Maritime industries

• English is the international language for both aviation (air) and sea travel, which ensures safety and efficiency across global operations.

• After WW2, American emerged as a dominant force in aviation which led to the adoption of english as the language of the air. Aviation and Martine organisations have agreed to use english as the standard language of communication in order to avoid misunderstandings and language barriers.

The Tenerife airport disaster

• A disaster that occurred when 2 planes collided on a runway at Los Rodeos Airport, resulting in 583 fatalities.

• The disaster was believed to be due to miscommunication between pilots and air traffic controllers, which highlighted the urgency to have a standard language for aviation communication around the globe.

• As a result, this required all members of the aviation industry such as pilots, air traffic control to demonstrate proficiency in english and that many countries have set up specialised english training programs for aviation and Maritime to make sure international standards were met.

• This case study highlights the importance of having a standard language for air and sea communication despite the argument of english erasing other cultures and becoming too powerful. This ensures the safety and welling being of others.