English as a world language- a challenging topic that is fully treated in literature, because it is a
topic of general interest. But during my researches, I realized that it was difficult to find
literature about linguistic reasons for the establishment of English as a world language. Since
this aspect is often interwoven within other reasons, for example geo-political reasons,
linguistic reasons are seldom explicitly stated. Frequently, mixtures of reasons that have finally
helped English to reach its high eminence as a world language are presented. In the end, I found some important aspects by picking them out of different texts and books and confined myself to present three important linguistic reasons for the establishment of English as a world language. Therefore, this paper does not claim to be complete, otherwise it
would extend the prescribed lenght of the paper.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Preface
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- The current status of English around the world
- Definitions
- The establishment of English as a world language - not only considered from the linguistic point of view
- Linguistic reasons for the establishment of English as a world language
- The simplicity of English
- Varieties of English
- English-based pidgins and creoles
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Appendix
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explain the dominance of English as a world language, particularly focusing on the linguistic factors that contributed to its widespread adoption.
- The reasons for the global spread and prominence of English
- Linguistic features of English that facilitated its rise as a global language
- The influence of English on scientific communication and international relations
- The relationship between English and its various dialects and varieties
- The role of English-based pidgins and creoles in the evolution of the language
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of English as a world language, highlighting its global presence and the need to understand the reasons behind its eminence. It also outlines the paper's focus on linguistic factors.
- The current status of English around the world: This chapter explores the historical development of English, highlighting its growth from a language of minor importance to a globally dominant language. It also examines the various roles English plays in modern society, including its use in science, international relations, and diplomacy.
- Definitions: This chapter defines key terms related to the concept of a world language and its different forms, providing a framework for understanding the discussion of linguistic reasons for English's dominance.
- The establishment of English as a world language - not only considered from the linguistic point of view: This chapter briefly acknowledges other factors, besides linguistic reasons, that contributed to the rise of English as a global language, setting the stage for the detailed exploration of linguistic factors in the following chapter.
- Linguistic reasons for the establishment of English as a world language: This chapter delves into three significant linguistic reasons for the establishment of English as a world language, exploring the simplicity of English, the varieties of English, and the role of English-based pidgins and creoles in the language's evolution.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the linguistic factors contributing to the establishment of English as a world language. Key concepts include the simplicity of English, varieties of English, English-based pidgins and creoles, world language status, and language spread. The paper also touches upon the impact of English on scientific communication and international relations.
- Quote paper
- Isabelle Fol (Author), 2001, English as a World Language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/44206
