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Is it a good thing that English is a global language? Well, I am German, my husband is English and it wouldn't be the first time that we discuss this topic. There are clear pros and cons to this:

Pro: We live in a global world and it is more important than ever that we are able to communicate across borders. Therefore one language that is learned and spoken in most countries is crucial. And this language seems to be English. Whilst Chinese and Spanish is probably spoken by more people as their first language, there is a much larger number of countries speaking English as first or at least second language.

Take Germany as example: You have to learn English from the age of 11 for at least 5 years. It's not an option. And it is a good thing as well. It does not mean that everyone can really communicate fluently in English, but it surely helps to have some basics for work and for holiday (if in England, USA or Spain!).

English has developed into this global language for a number of reasons. English history and the great British Empire are without a doubt some of them. But English is also a relatively easy language. Comparing it to German, French or Finnish, I think it has the most straight forward grammar and easiest pronunciation.

Therefore it must be a good thing that English is a global language. It helps us to communicate across borders, to exchange information, work together and understand each other.

Cons: Very simple: It makes many English speakers lazy. And don't get me wrong here; it is not necessarily their fault.

Everybody speaks English so there is no need for an English person to learn another language if it is not because of an inherent interest in languages. And even if they try, the environment doesn't make it easy for them to really learn a language. I love languages. When I am in Germany, I speak German. In Spain, I speak Spanish and in France in speak French. And when I went for a placement in Finland? You get the point I learned at least the basics of Finnish.

Now in comparison you could see my husband. He lived in Germany for 3 years and was trying hard to learn German, even though it didn't come easy to him. But whenever we went to a restaurant and he tried to order in German, the waiters noticed the accent, wanted to be nice and helpful and answered in English. How are you supposed to learn another language if you never get the chance to speak it?

I also believe that it makes it more difficult for English people to really get to know a different culture. Languages gives you so many clues about cultural differences and speaking to foreigners in English is not the same thing as not everything can be clearly expressed.

In summary: I think it is a good thing that we have a "global" language and I think English is a good language to have obtained this status. But I also believe that it takes a lot of opportunity away from English speakers and they should not rely on their language. Getting to know other cultures is only truly possible through learning the language and I think there is a lot you'll miss if you are interested, but don't give it a go.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Selley.
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