About 100 countries in the world now recognize English, as the primary or second language in their countries. Therefore, many of us then learned English so that we could understand the talk of many people in the world. But, as our friends are asking, why did english become an “international” language?? Why not just French, Hindi, or Spanish?
Lingua Franca
When we look at history, we realize the need for a common language that can be understood by many people or referred to as lingua franca. In its history, the lingua franca has changed every time. The same goes for English, which has a long enough history to be Lingua Franca.
The Two Major Factors
In short, two major factors affect how English can be a language, in quotation marks, international. The first was British colonization. The British Empire became the country with the most advanced technology and military in the world. This situation made Britain the country with the widest number of colonies. And made English the most widely spoken language in the world.
Then the factor came not only from the British, but in the early 20th century, another English-speaking country, the United States, emerged as the country with the largest economic power in the world. In short, the enormous economic power of the United States, forces other countries in the world, to use the Dollar and of course communicate in English.
Then, the phenomenon of globalization also strengthened the position of English as an international language. In the era of globalization, many foreign companies and media, especially from the United States, established their offices in other countries. As a result, many of us learn English so that we can be accepted to work at a foreign company, which of course promises a considerable salary. In addition, English-language foreign media broadcasts that we hear and see more often make us get used to using English.
Interestingly, English is predicted to remain an international language for decades to come. By 2050, India is predicted to be the country with the most population in the world, beating the Republic of China. Until now, India has made Hindi and English the official languages of the country. As a result, the country’s influence in the future will strengthen English as an international language.
