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GLOBAL LANGUAGE AS GLOBAL PROBLEM
Zuxro MIRZOYEVA
Student of International Journalism faculty, UzSWLU
In this contemporary world, we are now experiencing a globalization era.
Globalization is a relatively new phenomenon of multi-dimensional nature that puts
variety of complex trends in the economic, social and cultural fabrics of all societies.
These trends have presented alarming challenges which throw people into perplexing
situation. Globalization impacts on all conceivable aspects of life.
To embark on, English is the main consideration which comes to mind of each
learner whenever they see or hear of the words “Global language” as it takes the
dominance around the other languages.
This article describes the notion of English as a global language. English
became the most widely spoken language in all the nations due to advancements in
tourism. It is sometimes thought that English will become the single language
practiced on an international scale. With English as the only language, there will be
a free flow of information and people between different countries, but there are also
some drawbacks to be taken into account.
On the one hand, countries can enjoy a number of advantages with English
spoken at a larger scale. Firstly, there will be no communication barriers as people
will practice this language from a very young age. In other words, the conversation
will become easier and without any hesitations. Secondly, this will ease the process
of immigration, particularly, for students and skilled unemployed workers. To further
explain, English will no longer be a criterion for learners and job searchers,
furthermore, employment could be shared between various nations at an international
level.
About fifty years ago the notion of English as a true global language was merely
a theoretical prediction which is still diffuse and vague. However, realities have
created it as a real world language at the present time. People in every part of the
world feel its urgent role in their life: for academic purposes, for business goals and
for other purposes. English is spoken by people throughout the world as their first
language, second language and foreign language. Indeed, English is now a world
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language.
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English as a world language is not merely an international language. The notion
of international language can be understood as a language which is used in any
international communication which involves people from two or more countries.
English is not only used when people communicate with English speakers. English
is used by people of different first languages. It is not only applied when people speak
to English people, but also used when people from different nations meet. English is
the most widely spoken language in very different contexts in the world. another main
advantage effect of globalizing the English language is to help the spread of
knowledge and education. If the spoken language in the whole universe was
standardised, publishing science and all sorts of knowledge, whether it is educational
or related to religions, could be reachable for poor and undeveloped countries that
suffer from the lack of education and suffer from high rates of illiterate. For instance,
some African countries that cannot afford education expenses can benefit from the
English language in education by watching video materials about certain topics that
are available on the internet.
On the other hand, one problem with a global language is that it can harm the
beliefs of some ethnic and cultural groups. For example, some communities prefer
their language over any other because they feel easier to communicate, and it is
related to their traditions or religious beliefs. Another possible issue is that it can lead
to unemployment for natives of a country. This will create a negative atmosphere of
violence among natives towards their governments regarding language no longer a
criterion for immigrant workers. Furthermore, it could also increase discrimination
against immigrants. That is to say, existing literature provides numerous sources
relating to the effects of globalization on language spread and how English has
transformed into a global language. Moreover, there are publications that indicate
that the globalization of languages, mainly English, has resulted in many endangered
languages (Nettle & Romaine, 2000). There is not much research comparing the
perspectives of university students learning English in West Africa to the
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Colebrook, 2018. The ‘Literature of ELT ’ - A Question of Linguistic and Cultural Imperialism? In J.E. James
(Ed)
The Language-Culture Connection.
Singapore: SEAMEO RELC.
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perspectives of students learning English in the United States. Relating to research
question one, this study focuses on expanding on the current literature regarding the
perceptions of globalization affecting the spread of English as a nonnative language
around the world. Specifically, to answer the first research question, information is
gathered from observations and interviews in Senegal and the U.S. to gain qualitative
data on perspectives of English as a global language. This information is essential in
gaining a better understanding of how the globalization of language affects different
areas of the world and how people perceive what is happening. According to a BBC
article, in this last century, some 400 languages have become extinct - about one
language every three months - and in the next century, 50% of all remaining
languages will become extinct. Needless to say, this is worrying, because simply put,
an extinct language means the loss of a unique culture. People who speak a global
language have greater opportunities for employment, education and overall success.
Therefore, some minority language speakers believe that learning to speak a global
language will benefit them financially. Furthermore, with globalization, our cultures
are ever increasingly interconnected, catalyzing the takeover of minority languages
by a global language.
Globalization makes international communication and business management
easier and efficient for the world trade. we can expand business relations to all corners
of the world. Globalization connects businesses and customers across the world.
Companies open satellite offices to decrease production costs, forge relationships in
new territories and access new consumer markets. The importance of communication
in globalization is paramount because individuals from different countries,
ethnicities, languages, cultural attitudes and other variations must understand one
another and express themselves to another effectively in order to work together. The
ability to communicate with people both inside and outside your organisation is a key
characteristic of successful business builders in the world trade. Connecting with
people on the other side of the world is now much easier than it was a few years ago.
Satellites, fiber-optic cables and the internet make it effortless to share information
with those in different time zones and locations. Global communication is directly
affected by the process of globalization, and helps to increase business opportunities.
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Although globalization has many benefits for international communication and world
trade. Globalization also have its side effects. These include some factors which are
jobs insecurity, fluctuation in prices, fluctuation in currency, capital flows and so on.
English as a global language has been used by people in the world as a first
language, a second language and a foreign language. The domination of English over
local languages may cause the speakers of English in the outer and expanding circles
to experience mixed feelings of happiness and disappointment. This, in turn, makes
those people treat English in such a way that makes it submit to their will.
References
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Singapore: SEAMEO RELC.
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