After Mandarin, English is the second most spoken language in the world, and unlike mandarin which is predominantly only used in Asian countries, English is used in just about every corner of the world. Through political alliances, trading blocs, and technological innovations, it comes as no surprise that English is achieving a special status in being a global language and becoming recognized by almost every country. The prevalence of English is obvious. Just flick on the news, and we find that people in foreign nations reporting stories in fluent English. English is even the most taught second language in the world, and over 80 percent of what is on the internet is published in English, despite the fact that non-English speakers are the fastest group of growing internet users. Take a visit to a foreign country and you will instantly recognize the use of English. Billboards, street signs, and even dinner menus are written in both the native language and English.
With all this in consideration, it only makes since that English also has a significant impact on the global economy, and it is hard to imagine what incredible challenges nonnative speakers face when trying to compete in a global economy dominated by a single language. English is the language of many trade alliances including the Asian trade group ASEAN, who has established a free trade market area within several Asian countries. ASEAN is currently negotiating free trade agreement with the European Union where English is the official language of the European Central Bank, despite the fact that no predominantly English speaking nation is a member of the European monetary union. However without the common language of English, there would be many more barriers ultimately resulting in less international trade.
Even in the western side of the world, English has a great influence on the global economy. For example, the United States free trade agreement with Canada (where English and French are the official language) and Mexico (where Spanish is the official language), the use of English is required for it to survive. The united states is also actively involved in trade with many international countries including Central America, Israel, Jordan, Chile, Singapore, Bahrain, Peru, Morocco, and Oman to name a few. As a major developed nation, the United States economy and industry has relied heavily on the import of raw materials and the export of finished goods. It would come as a major deficit without the knowledge of English within these trade systems. Not only does English influence the global economy through the way of trade. But also English is the language of businesses and corporations through out the world. With the large numbers of multinational corporations, English has become important in the work place for employers and employees alike.
Because the importance of English in the global economy, many cultures are making moves to ensure that they can also compete. Many nations such as Mexico are actively implementing that English as a Second Language a requirement in schools. Many countries are also making the move to add English as an official language.
It goes without saying that English has a huge influence on the world, especially in our global economies. Because of this influence, I foretell that English will continue to grow even faster and continue to spread through out the world.
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You are absolutely correct, it doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the English language is sweeping the globe. It is used from everything you listed from political alliances to technological innovations. Now I must say it was a great example to use that if you go to other country you will recognize the use of English. I have been to many other countries and yes, they have been taught how to speak English, of course when in another country they will have a certain accent, but that is besides the point. They have taking the time out to learn the English language because they know it will be very beneficially to them, and their right! How it is beneficially to these other countries that have to learn is I believe the United States is the largest and most powerful country in the world. It is difficult for other countries to compare to what the United States can do. United States provides the largest importing and exporting of goods. Other countries realize this and feel the need to learn how to better communicate to be competitive in an ever changing environment. Another example, the United States has the most powerful military. Other countries realize this and find themselves depending on the United States for protection and for humanitarian needs.
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