English as a lingua franca

Radio program analysis.BBC on English as a lingua franca 'The Battle for English' https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000gkv4

The Global Influence of English as a Lingua Franca

In today's world, English stands out as the dominant language, serving as the language of negotiation, trade, and international communication - essentially, the global lingua franca. The term "lingua franca," also known as a bridge language, common language, trade language, or auxiliary language, captures its pivotal role.

The reasons behind English's current dominance and whether it has always held this position were explored in the BBC radio program, 'The Battle for English.' Linguistics expert Professor David Crystal sheds light on the main factors contributing to English's rise as a lingua franca, which he refers to as "powers." These powers are fourfold.

The first power lies in political or military influence, with the British Empire spreading the language worldwide since the 16th century, a legacy that continues today with the reinforcement of American power. The second power relates to scientific and technological advancements, often associated with the industrial revolution. The third power stems from economic influence, and the fourth power is cultural, exemplified by the fact that about 80% of movies are produced in English.

The question arises: Was English always this dominant, or did other languages hold sway throughout history? Will English remain the lingua franca for an extended period? I totally agree with the idea that English might not always be the top language. Looking at history, we can see that even big languages like Greek, Latin, and French had their time and then changed. Nicholas Oster makes a good point about English not being as secure as we might think. It's interesting to consider that Chinese Mandarin or Spanish could become the next widely used language.

The Indispensability of English Today

Regardless of English's future, its current significance is evident. Numerous schools worldwide teach English as a foreign language, highlighting its perceived indispensability for students globally. The overwhelming demand for English education stems from several compelling reasons.

Firstly, English serves as the language of international communication, with over 2,5 billion people using it daily. It is the official language in 67 countries, making it a crucial tool for cross-cultural interaction. Secondly, English's role in global business cannot be overstated. Major corporations have designated it as their official language, emphasizing its importance for career success. Thirdly, English provides access to a vast array of entertainment, from blockbuster films to bestselling books and music. Lastly, it is the language of the internet, with 65% of the world's population using English online.

Challenges in Modern English as a Lingua Franca

However, the surge in non-native English speakers raises concerns about the potential dilution of the language. Professor Jenny Jenkins, a linguistics expert, suggests that users of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) know the rules but choose not to use them. I disagree with her on this point. As a non-native English speaker myself, I don't believe it's a matter of choice because everyone wants to speak correct English. The real reason for incorrect English lies in the way we learn and teach English in ESL classrooms.

Students are taught grammar rules and are expected to apply them when they speak. However, this approach doesn't work effectively. Grammar rules might work well in tests where students can focus on the form, think about correctness, and analyze sentences with time on their side. However, in spoken language, people don't have that luxury of time. In other words, applying grammar correctly in spoken language is extremely challenging.

Balancing Accuracy and Fluency in Language Teaching

Taking all of the above into account, another question arises: What is more important in language teaching - accuracy or fluency? What should be prioritized?

Accuracy in language learning refers to how correctly learners use the language system, encompassing grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. On the other hand, fluency is about how smoothly a learner can express themselves, indicating how well they can communicate without pauses or hesitation. The majority of learners aim to use their language skills outside of the classroom.

In this context, the answer to the question of whether accuracy or fluency is more important becomes clear—it's fluency. As long as students are accurate enough to be understood, the emphasis should be on building fluency. Developing confident and competent communicators takes precedence.

Conclusion: English's Changing Role Around the World

The path of English as a lingua franca reflects the dynamic interaction of historical, political, economic and cultural factors. Its current indispensability is evident due to its role in international communications, business, entertainment and the digital sphere. Let's hope that English will continue to exist as an international language for a long time to come.

 

 

 

Questions.

1.Do you think English will continue as a Lingua Franca after Brexit? Why/Why not? What might change?

I don't think it will make a big difference if Britain leaves or stays. People all over the world use English as a common language, and they will keep using it even if Britain is no longer part of the European Union. This is because English is more than just about politics; it's a language that helps people communicate.

Even if there are changes in how Britain relates to other countries, I believe English will still be a language that everyone understands. So, even with Brexit, English will likely stay important for talking with people from different places, doing business, and more.

 

2.If you are a non-native speaker, what is your own reason for learning English? Do you use it as a Lingua Franca or with Native Speakers?In what way is speaking English with other non-native speakers different/the same?

As a non-native English speaker, my motivation for learning the language has been shaped by various life experiences. Originally hailing from Russia, I currently reside in Estonia, where English has become an essential tool for communication, particularly in official contexts such as contacting banks or law offices. Due to the limited prevalence of Russian speakers in these situations, English serves as a shared language.

I didn't have clear reasons for learning English at first; it just happened gradually.Beginning in school and continuing through university, my proficiency further developed during a decade-long stay in America. Today, English is not only a means of communication with native speakers but also serves as a lingua franca when engaging with other non-native English speakers, such as fellow residents in Estonia.