Importance of English as an International Language

As English is spoken and understood all over the globe, so it has got international importance. It is the first language in UK USA, Canada and Australia and the second language in India. Africa, Russia, France, Pakistan etc. The number of people speaking this language is about million which is next to the Chinese language. Thus it is English and no other language which can serve the purpose of linking together people of different nations of the world. Chinese language is continued to that country only whereas English is popular with people living in different countries of the world. Naturally its popularity on the basis of its utility all over the globe determines its strength. It is English language which can bring greater and greater number of people in closer contacts with one another. It helps every nation to study the culture and civilization of the other nation. It is through. English that we can establish political, cultural, intellectual and economic relations with the rest of the world.

F.G. French in his Look, Teaching English as an international Language’, says: “By accidents of history and by the rapid spread of industrial development, science and technology, international trade, and by something like an explosion in the speed and ease of travel and by all factors which have broken down frontiers and forced nations into closer interdependence, English has become a world language. It is the means of international communication: there is no other.

So English language is indispensable for us. Even Mahatma Gandhi had to say, “English is a language of international commerce; it is the language of diplomacy and it contains many a rich literary treasure; it gives us an introduction to western thought and culture. he following points indicate very clearly the international importance of English language:

  • It helps in international trade and industry.
  • It leads to a better understanding of the different notions of the world.
  • The latest and up-to-date information in the field of science and technology is available in English only. People of diverse cultures. close to each other. It also assists us in our inter-cultural understanding of the country.
  • A person knowing English stands opportunities for employment almost in every country.
  • It helps in bringing people of different nations in closer contact.