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A lingua franca is useful for communication between people of different nations or ethnicities. Note the word "between". Usefulness as a lingua franca does not mean that local languages will disappear.
(On the other hand, a lingua franca may be supplanted by another language in that role).
I guess my opinion shouldn't matter on this thread because I'm an American, but I think it's obvious that English is on a clear path to being THE world language one day. Unless WW3 or some other MASSIVE event changes the course of human history I don't see it going any other way. The internet and cable tv are only accelerating the reach of English, and I'm constantly struck by all of the people who know it when I go on vacation. They almost seem insulted when I ask, "do you speak English?" I'm pretty sure that 50 years from now virtually everyone will speak it.
I guess my opinion shouldn't matter on this thread because I'm an American, but I think it's obvious that English is on a clear path to being THE world language one day. Unless WW3 or some other MASSIVE event changes the course of human history I don't see it going any other way. The internet and cable tv are only accelerating the reach of English, and I'm constantly struck by all of the people who know it when I go on vacation. They almost seem insulted when I ask, "do you speak English?" I'm pretty sure that 50 years from now virtually everyone will speak it.
I guess my opinion shouldn't matter on this thread because I'm an American, but I think it's obvious that English is on a clear path to being THE world language one day. Unless WW3 or some other MASSIVE event changes the course of human history I don't see it going any other way. The internet and cable tv are only accelerating the reach of English, and I'm constantly struck by all of the people who know it when I go on vacation. They almost seem insulted when I ask, "do you speak English?" I'm pretty sure that 50 years from now virtually everyone will speak it.
Why wouldn't your opinion matter? The reality is that the USA is another good example country where English has taken over and obliterated the local languages.
I guess my opinion shouldn't matter on this thread because I'm an American, but I think it's obvious that English is on a clear path to being THE world language one day. Unless WW3 or some other MASSIVE event changes the course of human history I don't see it going any other way. The internet and cable tv are only accelerating the reach of English, and I'm constantly struck by all of the people who know it when I go on vacation. They almost seem insulted when I ask, "do you speak English?" I'm pretty sure that 50 years from now virtually everyone will speak it.
really? I don't where you went but it is not my experience. You probably visit large tourist cities, or those Germanic countries like Sweden where English is very prominent.
When I visited the Galapogos island, the hotel owner didn't speak a word of English. The three of us used our limited spanish vocabulary to talk and had a good time (he eventually put our photos on the website). Only three weeks ago in Sicily, we asked two young guys about bus information, and they didn't seem to understand, nor to mention speak English either. My friend visited Moscow and decided to leave earlier than expected because hardly anybody speak English (nor in street signs, or subways). In most part of China, you will be lucky to run into someone who speak functional English with you, or provide any useful information.
Insulted? I doubt it. Maybe for the Dutch or Swedish. The fact is, the majority of the world can't function in English.
Why wouldn't your opinion matter? The reality is that the USA is another good example country where English has taken over and obliterated the local languages.
The US is going to be the largest Spanish speaking country in the world in 50 years, lol. It's just another good example how immigrants change the language and culture.
Has an alphabet and grammar that most of the world is unfamiliar with, and would struggle to pick up as easily as English. It's also highly unlikely that an authoritarian regime could generate enough soft cultural power to entice people to want to learn their language.
The US is going to be the largest Spanish speaking country in the world in 50 years, lol. It's just another good example how immigrants change the language and culture.
Studies have shown that most third generation Hispanics in the US have lost the ability to speak Spanish, whereas 87% of first-generation immigrants believe that it is important to learn English in order to succeed in the US https://thinkprogress.org/latinos-le...691#.swadowex8
In addition, as Hispanic countries develop economically, their birth rates and emigration rates are gradually declining. Unless something very unusual happens, there's virtually no possibility that Spanish will ever replace English as the predominant language within the US.
Studies have shown that most third generation Hispanics in the US have lost the ability to speak Spanish, whereas 87% of first-generation immigrants believe that it is important to learn English in order to succeed in the US https://thinkprogress.org/latinos-le...691#.swadowex8
In addition, as Hispanic countries develop economically, their birth rates and emigration rates are gradually declining. Unless something very unusual happens, there's virtually no possibility that Spanish will ever replace English as the predominant language within the US.
Hispanic countries? What are they? You mean Mexico? Colombia?
Not even a single third world country has the potential to become a developed country in the foreseeable future. Yes, as of today, third generation Hispanics don't speak Spanish. But immigration hasn't halted yet. The past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Hispanic countries? What are they? You mean Mexico? Colombia?
Not even a single third world country has the potential to become a developed country in the foreseeable future. Yes, as of today, third generation Hispanics don't speak Spanish. But immigration hasn't halted yet. The past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Illegal immigration form Mexico has been falling, and I expect that trend to continue. The economy of Mexico could chnage, but birth rate trends aren't the sort of thing to swing unpredictably.
Even if half of Mexico migrated into the US, English would still be the predominant language of the US, and that would be unchallenged.
Do you disagree with this assumption?
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