English Everywhere
Global Language
Is the English language really global. Global Language refers to a particular language that is learned or spoken internationally and is characterized nut just by the number of natives that speak it as a second language, but also by it geographical distribution, and its use in international organizations and in diplomatic relations. Even though there is no official definition of what global language is, the English language appears to be the closet thing to global language than any other language. From my personal experience and through my 👀 I have seen this. During my military days personal and official, I did a lot of traveling. What I can say that I noticed about all the countries that I visited English was spoken. I was in awe that I was thousands of miles away and the English language was adopted in several of the countries. That right there told me personally English was a global language.
English in China
After looking at the short video of The Expansion of English in China I was amazed at how China is trying to adopt English as their second language. I believe anything you do start at a young age and I like the fact that China has their young children learning English at school. China realizes that English is a global language, so it is a smart tactic of them to make that part of their learning path. Even some of the older students had goals and aspirations to attend major colleges, making learning English a priority for them. I do understand how this can be challenging for a country to have a lot of individuals want to speak another language. Even though its a learning advancement for people at the same time you could lose your native identity. China has a proud heritage and I'm sure they wouldn't want English to take over the Chinese language.
What I find Interesting
What I find interesting about English being worldwide is that why here in the United States we don't really encourage a second language. Yes we are taught in school (other languages) but the average American you run into only speaks one language, which is English. Spanish would be the second language but typically English is the second language learned from that person. WE SPEAK WHAT??
I couldn't agree more...in the United States we are given opportunities in school to learn other languages, though it is not mandated. You have to wonder though, would we be faced with a similar dilemma as China in that there are few opportunities to practice the second language? As you pointed out, Spanish would be the optimal second language. Given the proximity of Spanish speaking countries and the diverse Spanish population in the US there would be numerous opportunities to practice conversational Spanish.
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