English!

            There are many factors that have led to the globalization of English. First, Great Britain and the United States both speak English, and both have been dominant superpowers since the early 1800’s. Add to this the expansion of English throughout Europe, and most of the world now knows at least a little bit of English. In order for any other country to economically benefit and gain protection from a dominant superpower, they almost must speak English. The advent of the internet, a global network of individuals, has lead to a major increase of English speakers because the vast majority of information on the internet is written in English.

            I believe that this is basically the most important fact. The internet has led to an exponential burst of people that want to learn to speak English. They want to have the advantage of speaking the most common language in the world. Without that advantage, they leave themselves lacking when it comes to competing in a global market, or being a productive member of the global society. As long as English remains the central language, more and more individuals will learn to speak it.

            Within the next 20 years, we will continue to see the growth of English speaking people throughout the globe. The use of English will become more and more common, but any country that is an economic or global power will have individuals within them learn English. The Countries who are struggling to compete will recognize that knowing English is integral to their strength economically.

            Within the next 50 years, almost all citizens of a global superpower will speak fluent English. Whether you are Chinese, Japanese, French, or German, you will be required to be fluent in the English language. More individuals who speak English will start to arrive in countries that are economically and socially disadvantaged, and begin to spread English throughout even those countries.

            Within the next 100 years, almost all members of the global society will speak English. All of Europe and almost all of Asia (at least the richer and more advanced countries) will know how to speak fluent English. A lot of Africa will also, but some of the smaller, more remote countries may not require their citizens to speak English. There will be almost no choice as to whether you want to speak English or not, but whether you can afford the schooling required to teach English to the members of your society. Obviously, there are countries which are not even close to ready to begin teaching citizens English, and some who are already taking the required steps to advance our language.

            Remember that when I say “Speak English,” I refer to basic, general English. I am not talking about regional English, or “Southern English.” They won’t understand some of our slang, or twists on word meanings. They will have the necessary skill to speak the language, that’s it. As long as the United States and Britain Remain the forefront superpowers of the world, other countries have no choice but to learn the English language, because American and British individuals will be travelling around the world, wanting to spend money, and if these countries want to get a piece of that pie, they are going to have to learn to communicate with English speaking people.