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Why English became an international language
12.03.2024
3 minutes to read
Table of contents
- Historical prerequisites for English becoming an international language
- The formation of England and international trade
- The development of the United States
- Spheres of application of English nowadays
- Business communication
- Language of Education
- For traveling
- Science and Technology
- Youth communication
- Literature
- Entertainment
- Bottom line: why the whole world speaks English now
Historical prerequisites for English becoming an international language
The historical prerequisites go back to ancient times. Starting its journey as a language of Germanic tribes, the language acquired its unique form as a result of many influences and historical events.
One of the most important prerequisites was the conquest of England by the Norman invasion in 1066. This episode introduced French lexical elements and phonetic features into English. Thus, English became a language enriched with cultural elements not only from the Germanic world, but also from the French.
The great geographical discoveries of the 16th-17th centuries, associated with the Great Voyages, brought even greater diversity to English. Due to contacts with different cultures of the world, it became richer in words, expressions and ideas.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the 18th century, accelerated the spread of English beyond the frontiers of the country. Industrial development led to increased trade links and exchange of cultural values, helping to popularize English as an international language of commerce and diplomacy.
With the development of technology, especially with the invention of telecommunications and the Internet, it became even more accessible and widespread.
It has become not just the language of commercial transactions and political negotiations, but also the language of science, culture and interpersonal communication.
Thus, historical backgrounds, from the Norman Conquest to modern technological revolutions, have made English an international language, reflecting its capacity for adaptation and openness to the outside world.
One of the most important prerequisites was the conquest of England by the Norman invasion in 1066. This episode introduced French lexical elements and phonetic features into English. Thus, English became a language enriched with cultural elements not only from the Germanic world, but also from the French.
The great geographical discoveries of the 16th-17th centuries, associated with the Great Voyages, brought even greater diversity to English. Due to contacts with different cultures of the world, it became richer in words, expressions and ideas.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the 18th century, accelerated the spread of English beyond the frontiers of the country. Industrial development led to increased trade links and exchange of cultural values, helping to popularize English as an international language of commerce and diplomacy.
With the development of technology, especially with the invention of telecommunications and the Internet, it became even more accessible and widespread.
It has become not just the language of commercial transactions and political negotiations, but also the language of science, culture and interpersonal communication.
Thus, historical backgrounds, from the Norman Conquest to modern technological revolutions, have made English an international language, reflecting its capacity for adaptation and openness to the outside world.
England's emergence as a maritime power and the development of international trade had a direct impact on the emergence of English as an international means of communication. With sea voyages and trading expeditions, the English language spread with British trading and military convoys, penetrating to various corners of the world.
International trade not only contributed to the spread of English, but also introduced many new words and terms from other languages. Trade contacts with different cultures required the exchange of knowledge and technology, which was reflected in the vocabulary.
The British Empire, in turn, became a platform for the spread of English around the world. It not only established language standards in the colonies, but also encouraged learning among the local population as a tool for social mobility and interaction with the colonial administration.
This process continued after the collapse of the British Empire, as English remained the language of international communication in trade, politics, science and culture.
International trade not only contributed to the spread of English, but also introduced many new words and terms from other languages. Trade contacts with different cultures required the exchange of knowledge and technology, which was reflected in the vocabulary.
The British Empire, in turn, became a platform for the spread of English around the world. It not only established language standards in the colonies, but also encouraged learning among the local population as a tool for social mobility and interaction with the colonial administration.
This process continued after the collapse of the British Empire, as English remained the language of international communication in trade, politics, science and culture.
The formation of England and international trade
The development of the United States also greatly influenced the establishment of English as an international language. During the colonization of the American continent, British colonists brought their culture and language, creating the foundations for English-speaking American culture. Over time, American English acquired its own characteristics that distinguished it from British English.
In the nineteenth century, industrial growth and economic prosperity in the United States bolstered American influence in the world. American companies, which held leading positions in various industries, began to do business abroad using English as a means of communication. This increased the spread of the American version of English and strengthened its position on the world stage.
The cultural influence of the US also helped the spread. Hollywood movies, American music, literature and television became popular in many countries around the world, drawing attention to English and its cultural context.
With the advent of the internet and digital technology in the twenty-first century, English, especially the American version, has become even more accessible and widespread. Social media, online platforms, and internet communications are used in English, making it the primary means of communication on the world wide web.
In the nineteenth century, industrial growth and economic prosperity in the United States bolstered American influence in the world. American companies, which held leading positions in various industries, began to do business abroad using English as a means of communication. This increased the spread of the American version of English and strengthened its position on the world stage.
The cultural influence of the US also helped the spread. Hollywood movies, American music, literature and television became popular in many countries around the world, drawing attention to English and its cultural context.
With the advent of the internet and digital technology in the twenty-first century, English, especially the American version, has become even more accessible and widespread. Social media, online platforms, and internet communications are used in English, making it the primary means of communication on the world wide web.
The development of the United States
The umlaut "ö" is another important diacritical mark in German, indicated by the two dots above the letter "o". This mark changes the pronunciation of the vowel "o", making it more rounded and slightly longer. Examples of words with the umlaut "ö" include:
"Hören" (listen) - without the umlaut, this word sounds like "Horen" (hoof).
"öffnen" (open) - without the umlaut this word sounds like "offnen" (turn off).
The umlaut "ö" is also a key element of the German alphabet and can significantly change the meaning of a word, so its correct pronunciation is essential for successful communication in German.
"Hören" (listen) - without the umlaut, this word sounds like "Horen" (hoof).
"öffnen" (open) - without the umlaut this word sounds like "offnen" (turn off).
The umlaut "ö" is also a key element of the German alphabet and can significantly change the meaning of a word, so its correct pronunciation is essential for successful communication in German.
Spheres of application of English nowadays
Negotiation: English is used to negotiate deals, conclude contracts and reach agreements between companies.
Corporate Communication: In the work environment, English is the primary means of communication between employees and management, especially in multinational companies.
Business correspondence: Official letters, emails, presentations and reports are usually written in English to exchange information in a business environment.
Corporate Communication: In the work environment, English is the primary means of communication between employees and management, especially in multinational companies.
Business correspondence: Official letters, emails, presentations and reports are usually written in English to exchange information in a business environment.
Business communication
University Teaching: Many of the world's major universities use English as the primary language of instruction in their programs, attracting students from all over the world.
Foreign Language Teaching: English is also often taught as a foreign language in schools and language centers around the world.
Foreign Language Teaching: English is also often taught as a foreign language in schools and language centers around the world.
Language of Education
Communicating with locals: In many countries, English is used to communicate with locals, for example, when ordering food in a restaurant, buying public transportation tickets, or visiting places of interest.
Navigation: English helps in navigating airports, hotels, tourist attractions, and other places where information is usually in English.
Navigation: English helps in navigating airports, hotels, tourist attractions, and other places where information is usually in English.
For traveling
Publications and Research: Most scientific journals and conferences require research results to be presented in English for international dissemination.
Technical documentation: Operating instructions, technical specifications, and product and technology documentation are often written in English.
Technical documentation: Operating instructions, technical specifications, and product and technology documentation are often written in English.
Science and Technology
Social media: Youth actively use English to communicate on social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
Internet communication: Messaging, online games and video content are also often created and consumed in English.
Internet communication: Messaging, online games and video content are also often created and consumed in English.
Youth communication
Classical Literature: Many great works of world literature are written in English, making it an important language for literature lovers.
Modern Literature: Modern authors, like their books and novels, are also often popular outside of English-speaking countries.
Modern Literature: Modern authors, like their books and novels, are also often popular outside of English-speaking countries.
Literature
Movies and TV series: Hollywood movies and American TV series are popular with global audiences, and watching them often requires knowledge of English.
Music: English-language music, including pop, rock, hip-hop and other genres, is popular around the world and serves as a means of entertainment and expression for many people.
Music: English-language music, including pop, rock, hip-hop and other genres, is popular around the world and serves as a means of entertainment and expression for many people.
Entertainment
So, after looking at the various uses of English, we can conclude why it has become the primary language of international communication.
First, English has a long history of use in the business, scientific, and cultural world community, dating back to the days of the British Empire and the development of the United States of America.
Second, the applications of English cover a wide range of activities, from international trade and scientific research to tourism and entertainment, making it an integral part of international communication.
In addition, with the development of information technology and the Internet, English has become even more accessible and widespread, which contributes to its dominance in the global environment.
Thus, English has become the language of international communication due to its historical significance, wide range of applications and accessibility in the modern world. These factors combine to make English not just a means of communication, but a language that provides global communication and understanding between different cultures and peoples of the world.
First, English has a long history of use in the business, scientific, and cultural world community, dating back to the days of the British Empire and the development of the United States of America.
Second, the applications of English cover a wide range of activities, from international trade and scientific research to tourism and entertainment, making it an integral part of international communication.
In addition, with the development of information technology and the Internet, English has become even more accessible and widespread, which contributes to its dominance in the global environment.
Thus, English has become the language of international communication due to its historical significance, wide range of applications and accessibility in the modern world. These factors combine to make English not just a means of communication, but a language that provides global communication and understanding between different cultures and peoples of the world.
Bottom line: why the whole world speaks English now
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