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English as an International Language

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English as an International Language
Cojocaru Olga-Georgiana, Master STA, anul I,sem. I

ENGLISH AS AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE

Abstract

This paper is intended to raise awareness on the aspects which define English as an international language, by examining the characteristics of an international language, the number of users, how it spread to reach global status, what factors may impede its continued spread and what dangers are involved in the development of English as an international language.

English’s international status is determined by a constellation of political, economic, demographic and social factors being a communication bridge across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

English is a language studied by more and more individuals as an additional language, it is central cu a growing global economy and it is the major language of a developing mass culture The main point of this paper is the idea that learning an international language is different and has other implications than learning other foreign languages. It has the particularity of belonging to the people who use it, not to only one country.

Key words: international language, spread of English, wider communication

Today’s society is more and more involved in the study of English. The interest in the learning of this language has increased so much that is now considered by many an international language. English has a wide territorial reach and its domination at global scale is now undeniable. The language plays an important role as a language of diplomacy and international communications, business, tourism, education, science, computer technology, media and Internet. It is a fact that English is frequently used in official documents of many international organizations, treaties, contracts



References: Brutt-Griffler, J. 2002. World English: A Study of its Development. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Crystal, D. 1997. English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Graddol, D. 1997. The Future of English. London: The British Council. Kachru, B. B. 1989. ‘Teaching world Englishes.’ Indian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 15/1: 85-95. Krauss, M. 1992 ‘The world’s languages in crisis.’ Language 68/1: 7-9. Martin, R. 2000. ‘Temple University Japan, summer seminar project assignment’, unpublished manuscript. McKay, S. L. 2002. Teaching English as an International Language: Rethinking Goals and Approaches. New York: Oxford University Press. Phillipson, R. 1992. Linguistic imperialism. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Smith, L. 1976. ‘English as an international auxiliary language.’ RELC Journal 7/2:38-43. Swerdlow, J. L. 1999. ‘Global village’, National Geographic 196/2: 2-6. Tollefson, J. W. 1991. Planning Language, Planning Inequality. London: Longman. Widdowson, H. G. 1997. ‘EIL, ESL, EFL: global issues and local interests.’ World Englishes 16/1: 135-46.

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