Obviously, the current business language is nothing but English. Indeed, whether you want to move your business or work with foreign employees, you will definitely need to speak an international language.
Nowadays, the whole world works “in English” and wherever you are, it is always more likely that you will be understood in this language. This applies not only to everyday life but also to all major global online websites. But more importantly, English is also the global language of medicine, programming, and many other important fields. So even if you are not going to build an international business or get a job in a foreign company, you still need to know English well if you need, for example, to order pcos supplements or any other high-quality imported medicine.
But why is English taking this privileged place, and not some other language, such as French or Deutsche?
Table of Contents
The international language of yesterday: the case of Latin
During the era of ancient Roman rule, Latin spread to Western Europe thanks to the conquests of the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, several languages have enjoyed the status of a lingua franca or “transport language.” Among them, we can single out Latin, the root of many European languages.
During the time of ancient Roman rule, Latin spread to Western Europe thanks to the conquests of the Roman Empire. Subsequently, Latin retained a privileged status, since it was the language of Christian worship.
From the language of the people during the Roman Empire (ancient Greek was then the language of the educated elite), it later turned into a scientific language. In many ways, the English language owes its current status to the former colony, renamed the United States.
Thus, in the Renaissance, when writing a serious work, whether philosophical, scientific, or artistic, the use of Latin was required. Nevertheless, later Latin had been forgotten by the people and stopped appearing in books on grammar and declension.
The triumph of the English language
Like Latin, it was the colonization and territorial expansion of the United Kingdom that led to the triumph of English as an international language. The colonial episode laid the foundations of the English-speaking world, spreading the use of English in:
- North America;
- Africa;
- India;
- Australia;
- New Zealand.
However, although the British Empire greatly contributed to the future dominance of the English language through its economic, military, and industrial might, it is to the former colony, renamed the United States, that the English language owes its current status.
Indeed, after World War II, when Europe was trying to get back on its feet, the United States experienced exceptional economic growth. Thriving industry and rampant communication have pushed the United States to mass export its culture around the world.
Everywhere, English shouted or whispered, has become a symbol of “cold-blooded attitude.”
The English language quickly penetrated into homes due to new consumer habits:
- Rock and roll replaced traditional melodies;
- The young men voluntarily donned jeans and Yankee T-shirts.;
- We poured Coke and soda into the glasses;
- Cinema, the highest vector of American culture, has washed away everything.
Everywhere, English shouted or whispered, has become a symbol of “cold-blooded attitude.”
A young and dynamic language
Today, almost a century later, English is still relevant as before. Light and creative, English is still able to wonderfully express the dreams and ambitions of young people. In addition, it has an invaluable quality these days because it doesn’t require a waste of time.
However, those who talk about youth and brevity are talking about dynamism. Thus, the English language naturally reflects the liberal attitude that dynamic companies must demonstrate if they want to become one of the most important economic players.
Moreover, in any case, any other language needs more words than English to express the same idea. And if you don’t express your thoughts completely in English, you spice up your sentences with English terms, because these phrases are succinct!
An international language, but until when?
However, history proves that the international status of a language is never permanent. Sooner or later, this young and dynamic language will give way to another, even younger and more dynamic, or simply more widespread. But then which language will replace English? Mandarin? Arabic? Spanish?
Some argue that it would be interesting to keep English as the language of negotiations after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
Nevertheless, it remains obvious that in a world that is undergoing regionalization, companies wishing to enter the international level must develop their language skills and not limit themselves to English, which is certainly necessary, but less and less sufficient.
Conclusion
English has secured its place as the global language due to historical colonization, economic power, and cultural influence. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a key tool in business, science, and daily life. However, history shows that no language holds this status forever. As global dynamics shift, another language may eventually take its place, making multilingualism more important than ever.
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