The Global Impact of English on National Languages

First Languages Fear Second Place

1. Yes, they are worried because English is being used much more than their mother tongues in business and universities.
2. Authorities believe that people must be fluent in English because that is the best way for their country to be internationally competitive.
3. False. (Lines 7-8): "I tried to learn Norwegian when I came here. But when they hear you're a foreigner, Norwegians switch languages."
4. True. (Line 6): Few countries voluntarily adopt a foreign tongue as one of their main languages.
5. False. (Lines 18-20): The educational authorities declare that the protection of their own languages is essential, but at the same time, they admit that Scandinavians have to be strong in English.
6. False. (Lines 15-16): This concern is generalized in Scandinavia, and both Sweden and Denmark are also creating initiatives to protect and promote their national languages.

Language Exercises

• 7. Instructor
• 8. Lower
• 9. Business
• 10. Classify
• 11. If he spoke a foreign language, he would get a better job.
• 12. My cousins, whose daughter speaks English fluently, are French.
• 13. English is said to be easier than Spanish.
• 14. Despite being intelligent, he doesn't do well at school.

The Importance of English Today

English is not the most widely spoken language in the world according to the number of native speakers; however, it is the most outstanding language in the world. At present, it is considered an international language because it is a lingua franca used to communicate between people who don't share another language.

If you wish to be successful in international business, learning English is very important because the most famous firms use English for their communications. In the university, the mastering of the English language is also a relevant aspect for lecturers and for students:

• Lecturers: They can participate in international conferences all over the world and in other universities' research projects or teaching.
• Students: They can have better opportunities during their degree studies, for example, with student mobility in Europe, and after having finished, they can work in a foreign country.