Should English be the global language of the world?

Question

I'm learning English, I love this language, but I just want to know if in 10 years the English will be the global language still or maybe spanish?

Answer 1

There is no, and never has been a 'global language' nor will there ever be.
English is the current 'lingua franca' - the so-called international language, because of the fact that it has so many influences - Norse, greek, french, latin (twice), german to name the major influences.
The large number of influences means that there are many words in the english language that mean the same thing (to a degree) - offering us a plethora (greek) of variations (latin) and thus a scale of intensity.
Previous lingua francae were french and latin (mostly because of the spread of the catholic church, and before that, there was the roman invasion of the british isles).

Future lingua francae may include languages like spanish, but for the foreseeable future, it will remain english - mainly due to the fact that there are so many 'dumb americans' that only speak english (if you can call it that), and the US being one of the current superpowers.

Answer 2

With so many exceptions to the rule, English is difficult to master. Spanish is much easier to learn and is already somewhat similar to other Romance Languages. Spanish is a better bet, but chances are we won't have a global language in even twenty years. Too much national pride for any one foreign language to be 'forced' on the rest of the world. I hope it does come and soon, but I don't see it.

Best.

H

Answer 3

No, I don't think that English should be the global language, but that's not to say that it won't. By making English the universal language it makes it seem like that language is superior to all the rest. It is already very common for speakers of other languages to favor English instead of their native language. This is the case with many in countries like the Philipines, India, Japan, and Puerto Rico. However many of them don't have a good grasp of the language so they blend it in with their native language creating a sort of creole. Don't get me wrong I think that English is great it's my first language, but by making it a global language many would probably find no reason to learn about other languages when they travel to other countries. I personally enjoy language learning. I speak English and Spanish already and have plans to learn Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese, and French
Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I think Spanish should be the global language, English is too quirky and inconsistent (spell fish as "ghouti"?!) and too difficult to learn.

May it be noted I speak English and not Spanish, but may it also be noted that the largest English-speaking nation in the world (USA) will soon be bilingual, I expect.

If the trend continues, then English may go the way of French, which used to be the lingua franca, and then Latin, becoming a language for exchange in academia, and then becoming a curiosity, to be learned by historians and voice majors.

Answer 5

The global language ought to be English based on the Southern United States dialect, preferentially the variety found in the rural areas of Western Arkansas.

Answer 6

I don't think there will be any global language honestly, and if there is one I don't think it will be English, Spanish is a pretty good bet.

Answer 7

Yes - English is already the de facto language for many industries and either as a national or official language in some countries in the world.

Answer 8

English will still probably be the most universal language in 10 years. Spanish most likely will not.

Answer 9

it might be. but i sure hope spanish would be the global language!! lol :-)

Answer 10

it already is in some aspects. english is the offical language in worldwide aviation.