English as a global language
Because English is so widely spoken, it has been referred to as a «global language». While English is not an official language in many countries, it is the language most often taught as a second language around the world. It is also, by international treaty, the official language for aircraft/airport communication. Its widespread acceptance as a first or second language is the main indication of its worldwide status.
Because English is so widely spoken, it has been referred to as a «global language». While English is not an official language in many countries, it is the language most often taught as a second language around the world. It is also, by international treaty, the official language for aircraft/airport communication. Its widespread acceptance as a first or second language is the main indication of its worldwide status.
A secondary concern with respect to the spread of global languages
(including major languages other than English such as Spanish, Chinese,
Arabic, etc.) is the resulting disappearance of minority languages,
often along with the cultures and religions that are primarily
transmitted in those languages. Language death caused by English has
been particularly pronounced in areas such as Australia and North
America where speakers of indigenous languages have been displaced or
absorbed by speakers of English in the process of colonization. The
expansiveness of the British and the Americans has spread English
throughout the globe.