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The reasons why English is the global language can be traced back to historical events and technological developments.
Why English is the global language: Historical roots and colonialism
The development of English into a global language began with the rise of the British Empire.
- Between the 17th and early 20th centuries, Great Britain expanded its colonial empire to almost every continent, making English the language of administration, trade, and education in many areas.
- In countries such as India, Nigeria, and South Africa, English became an instrument of colonial administration and, after independence, often served as a neutral official language in multilingual societies.
- Global trade also contributed significantly to its spread: British traders, sailors, and merchants used English as a common lingua franca. This gave rise to numerous terms from the maritime environment that are still in use today, such as “fathom out” or “the bitter end.”
- At the same time, the English language absorbed influences from other languages—words such as “bungalow” (Hindi), ‘kindergarten’ (German), and “café” (French) show how strongly English has been shaped by cultural exchange.
Economic influence and cultural power
In the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain helped establish English as the language of technology, innovation, and science. Mechanical engineering, engineering, and early industries had a lasting impact on English vocabulary.
- After World War II, the United States took over the leading role in economics, science, and culture. The US became a superpower whose economic strength, cultural products, and technological developments had a global impact.
- Hollywood films, pop music, television, and later Silicon Valley made English a natural part of everyday life around the world. Companies that wanted to operate internationally increasingly used English—a trend that continues today.
Science, international organizations, and global communication
English has long been not only the language of business, but also of international cooperation and research.
- Institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization use English as one of their main languages.
- English is now considered the standard language of science—over 95% of all scientific publications appear in English. This means that access to knowledge, research, and innovation is closely linked to proficiency in English.
- In many countries, such as those in Europe, Africa, and Asia, English is now a compulsory subject or the language of instruction in international programs.
Digitalization, the Internet, and the future of the global language
Digitalization has further consolidated the position of English.
- Around 49 percent of websites published worldwide are in English, which highlights the importance of English in global communication.
- Social media, streaming services, and international online platforms reinforce this effect, as English serves as a common language for users from different backgrounds.
- English is also largely the standard in the IT industry, programming, and technical support.
- Nevertheless, the language continues to change: new terms are constantly emerging, and regional variants—such as Indian, African, or Singaporean English—enrich the global linguistic landscape. English therefore remains dynamic and reflects the cultural diversity of its speakers.
