For discussion;
Will English be the leading world language twenty years from now, in 2025 ?
I work in Aviation and as we know, the entire Aviation world works in English (a Japanese pilot approaching a Japanese Control Tower in Osaka will request his approach and landing clearance in English, etc, etc).*
Also, English is the fastest growing business language across the world. Even in China, there are businesses that are starting to transact and work entirely in English, citing the speed of growth and financial success of Hong Kong based business as their reason.
So will this continue ? In twenty years will English be understood by 98% of the populations in 70% of the coutries of the world?
It amazes me when I vivist cetain countries in the world where English is understood almost universally (even people living on the street having to beg for loose change can speak perfect English). The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden come to mind. Why is this?
Or............. will this trend change. In Twenty years time perhaps Spanish will be Numero Uno around the world..... It's arguably easier to learn than English (from most language starting points), due to the simple and logical grammatic system.
Or will we all be sitting on the commuter trains in the mornings with our 'Learn Madarin the easy way' books, will we see more Chinese in the west as the future lead super power emerges ?
Let's hear your thoughts! And let's try and keep it respectful, sensible and lacking in paranoia!
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*Yes there are some exceptions, French and Spanish speaking Ground Crews often speak their own language in liaising with cockpit crew.
Will English be the leading world language twenty years from now, in 2025 ?
I work in Aviation and as we know, the entire Aviation world works in English (a Japanese pilot approaching a Japanese Control Tower in Osaka will request his approach and landing clearance in English, etc, etc).*
Also, English is the fastest growing business language across the world. Even in China, there are businesses that are starting to transact and work entirely in English, citing the speed of growth and financial success of Hong Kong based business as their reason.
So will this continue ? In twenty years will English be understood by 98% of the populations in 70% of the coutries of the world?
It amazes me when I vivist cetain countries in the world where English is understood almost universally (even people living on the street having to beg for loose change can speak perfect English). The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden come to mind. Why is this?
Or............. will this trend change. In Twenty years time perhaps Spanish will be Numero Uno around the world..... It's arguably easier to learn than English (from most language starting points), due to the simple and logical grammatic system.
Or will we all be sitting on the commuter trains in the mornings with our 'Learn Madarin the easy way' books, will we see more Chinese in the west as the future lead super power emerges ?
Let's hear your thoughts! And let's try and keep it respectful, sensible and lacking in paranoia!
-------------------------------------
*Yes there are some exceptions, French and Spanish speaking Ground Crews often speak their own language in liaising with cockpit crew.