Ana Andela

Arsénia Laurindo
Edilson Simbine
Elisa Matável
Jacinto Witinesse
Maria Iolanda Uamba
Sheila Jaime

HLI- Day Shift

The Future of English

Universidade Pedagógica
Maputo
2024
 Ana Artur Andela
Arsénia Laurindo
Edilson Simbine
Elisa Matável
Jacinto Witinesse
Maria Iolanda Uamba
Sheila Jaime

The Future of English

Work to be presented at the Faculty of

Language Sciences, Communication, and
Arts, Department of Language Sciences,
Maputo, for evaluative purposes, in the
course of History of the English
Language.
Teacher: Maria Helena Feluane

Universidade Pedagógica
Maputo
2024
Introduction

The English language, often hailed as the global lingua franca, stands at the forefront of
communication, commerce, and culture in our interconnected world. As we contemplate the
future, the trajectory of this ubiquitous language is a subject of both fascination and meticulous
analysis. Central to understanding the future of English are the institutions of English-speaking
countries - organizations that exert significant influence on the evolution, dissemination, and
standardization of the language. In this intervention, we examine the identity, functions, member
countries, and contemporary impact of these institutions, unraveling the complexity of English's
ongoing journey on the global stage.
The Future of English
The international Business community sees English as a Lingua Franca. We will start by
defining this term Lingua franca”.

According to (Barbara 2011), In recent years, the term English as a lingua franca (ELF) has
emerged as a way of referring to communication in English between speakers with different first
languages. While (Crystal 1997), lingua franca means common language.

The expression of lingua franca is associated first and foremost with English.

The spread of English as a global vehicle of communication since the 1950s is perhaps the
biggest linguistic success story of all time. (Crystal 1997), David estimates that some 670 million
people use English with a native or near-native command. This increases to 1,200 to 1,500
million if the criterion of reasonable competence is adopted. Somehow it takes advantages of
developments on the world stage.

English is currently the most spoken language across the globe, with roughly people 1.4 billion
speaking it as a first or additional language.

English is widely regarded as having became the global language as it develops a special role
that is recognized in every country ( C. David 1997).

Not surprisingly perhaps, as English has become the 'Top Language' , a whole structure of
surport for that position has grown up around it. There are alot of organisations, publications and
many other structures for the exaltation, promotion and commodification of English as the
British Council and BBC, also colleges and universities in the UK offer courses related to the
teaching of English as a foreign language. There are even journals dedicated exclusively to
charting developments in English language such as: English Today and World English.

On the other hand ( Graddol p. 49) says that English, though will remain the most important
language, will increasingly find itself in competition with other major languagues such as
Mandarim Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic and Bahasa Indonesian.

According to (Wikipedia 2023) the list of the top 5 languages by number of speakers are:
 Total speakers
Language Family Branch
(L1+L2)

1.English 18.8%
Indo-European Germanic 1.456 billion
(excl. creole languages)

2.Mandarin Chinese 13.8%

Sino-Tibetan Sinitic 1.138 billion
(incl. Standard Chinese, but excl. other varieties)

3.Hindi 7.5%
Indo-European Indo-Aryan 610 million
excl: Urdu

4.Spanish 6.9%
Indo-European Romance 559 million
(excl. creole languages)

5.French 3.4%
Indo-European Romance 310 million
(excl. creole languages)

List of the Top 5 Languages by number of Native speakers

Native
speakers Language
Language Branch
family
Position (in millions)
Mandarin
941 Sino-Tibetan Sinitic
1 Chinese 12.3%
Indo-
Spanish 6.0% 486 Romance
2 European
Indo-
English 5.1% 380 Germanic
3 European
Indo- Indo-
Arabic 5.1% 345
4 European Aryan
Indo- Indo-
Bengali 3.5% 237
5 European Aryan
The future of English as a global language: navigating linguistic shifts

The future of English as a global lingua franca is an intriguing subject, shaped by various factors
and dynamic shifts in the linguistic landscape. While English currently holds the status of the
most widely spoken language worldwide, its position as the dominant global language is not
without challenges. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the future of English, it is
essential to consider the following key points:

The Rise of Other Global Languages

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the influence of languages like Mandarin
Chinese and Spanish cannot be underestimated. With their large native speaker populations and
growing economic importance, these languages are gradually expanding their reach as potential
contenders for global lingua franca status.

Mandarin Chinese: With over a billion native speakers, Mandarin Chinese possesses a vast
potential for becoming a dominant global language, particularly due to China s economic
growth and influence on the world stage.

Spanish: As the second most widely spoken language, Spanish s prevalence in both Latin
America and Spain positions it as a formidable contender for global linguistic significance,
especially in light of the economic growth and cultural influence of Spanish-speaking countries.

Multilingualism in the Global Economy:The increasing recognition of the benefits of

multilingualism in international business has the potential to challenge the dominance of English.
In an era of globalization, proficiency in multiple languages allows for deeper cultural
understanding and more effective communication, fostering stronger business relationships.

Backlash Against Globalization and the Spread of English: While English has often been
associated with globalization, there is a growing resistance to its widespread influence in certain
regions and communities. This resistance may stem from concerns about cultural
homogenization and the preservation of local languages and identities.

Linguistic Protectionism: Some countries are implementing policies to protect their

indigenous languages and limit the dominance of English in educational and cultural domains.

Language Revitalization Movements: Communities are increasingly focusing on revitalizing

and promoting their native languages as a means of preserving their cultural heritage.

Despite these challenges, there are several factors that indicate English will remain a significant
global language:
 English as the Language of Business, Science, and Technology: English has firmly
established itself as the language of international business, scientific research, and technological
innovation. Proficiency in English opens doors to global opportunities, facilitating cross-border
collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Ease of Learning and Existing Speaker Base: English is renowned for its accessibility and
simplicity in comparison to some other languages. Furthermore, the significant number of
English speakers worldwide ensures its continued relevance and utility in various contexts.

While recognizing the importance of English, it is crucial to embrace linguistic diversity and
multilingualism. The world is enriched by the multitude of languages, each representing unique
cultures, identities, and ways of thinking. Promoting the preservation and cultivation of these
languages is essential for maintaining a harmonious and inclusive global community.

The future of English as a global lingua franca is subject to ongoing changes and evolving
linguistic dynamics. While it may face challenges from emerging global languages and a
growing emphasis on multilingualism, English s prominence in business, science, and
technology, combined with its ease of learning and existing speaker base, will likely sustain its
role as a major global language. Nonetheless, fostering respect for linguistic diversity and
supporting multilingualism remains crucial in creating a truly interconnected and culturally
enriched global society.

The anglophone world institutions: what are they? What do they do? Which countries are
members? What is their impact on the world today?

What are they?

The Anglophone world institutions typically refer to organizations, associations, and groups
primarily composed of English-speaking countries or those with historical ties to the British
Empire. Some examples include:

1.The Commonwealth of Nations: A political association of 54 member states, most of which

are former territories of the British Empire.

2.Five Eyes: An intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United
Kingdom, and the United States.

3.The English-speaking Union (ESU): An international educational charity that promotes

international understanding and human achievement through the English language.
4.The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU): A network of universities from
Commonwealth countries, fostering collaboration and exchange among member institutions.

5.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank: While not exclusively
Anglophone, these institutions are headquartered in Washington, D.C., and primarily use English
as their working language, reflecting the dominance of English in international finance.

6.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): An

intergovernmental economic organization of 38 countries, most of which are English-speaking or
have strong ties to English-speaking nations.

These institutions often play significant roles in international diplomacy, trade, education, and
finance, reflecting the global influence of English-speaking countries.

What do they do?

Anglophone world institutions serve various purposes, including:

Promoting Cooperation: They facilitate collaboration and cooperation among English-speaking

countries in areas such as trade, security, education, and culture.

Sharing Intelligence: Institutions like Five Eyes facilitate the sharing of intelligence and
security information among member countries to combat threats and enhance national security.

Economic Development: Organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and OECD support
economic development and stability in member countries through financial assistance, policy
advice, and data analysis.

Cultural Exchange: Institutions like the Commonwealth of Nations promote cultural exchange,
understanding, and cooperation among member states through events, programs, and initiatives.

Education and Research: Associations like the ACU support education and research
collaboration among universities in English-speaking countries, fostering innovation and
knowledge exchange.

Advocacy and Diplomacy: These institutions often advocate for common interests and values
on the international stage, representing the perspectives and concerns of English-speaking
nations in global forums and negotiations.

Overall, Anglophone world institutions play important roles in promoting mutual interests,
values, and cooperation among English-speaking countries on a global scaleUser.

Anglophone institutions are continually evolving to ensure the future relevance and vitality of
the English language. This includes adapting to linguistic changes, promoting language diversity,
fostering cross-cultural communication, and embracing technological advancements in language
learning and communication. Additionally, efforts are made to address linguistic inequality and
promote equitable access to English language education worldwide.

They are continuously evolving to adapt to the changing landscape of the English language.
They're likely focusing on promoting linguistic diversity, preserving standard English while
integrating technology to facilitate language learning and communication. Additionally, they
might be exploring ways to address linguistic biases and promote inclusivity within the English-
speaking community.

Which countries are members?

The member countries of Anglophone world institutions can vary depending on the specific
organization. Here are some examples:

Commonwealth of Nations: The Commonwealth has 54 member countries, including the

United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica,
Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam,
Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana,
Grenada,Guyana, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius and many others.

Five Eyes: The Five Eyes intelligence alliance includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the
United Kingdom, and the United States.

Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU): The ACU's membership consists of

universities from Commonwealth countries, which include many English-speaking nations like
the UK, Canada, Australia, India, and others.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): The OECD has 38
member countries, primarily consisting of high-income economies, many of which are English-
speaking or have significant ties to English-speaking nations, such as the UK, US, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand.
What is their impact on the world today?

The impact of Anglophone world institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank,
International Monetary Fund (IMF), and NATO, among others, is significant and multifaceted.
They often shape global governance, economic policies, security arrangements, and cultural
exchanges. For example, the UN promotes international cooperation and peacekeeping efforts,
while the IMF and World Bank influence economic development through lending and policy
advice. NATO plays a crucial role in collective defense and security cooperation among its
member states. Overall, these institutions contribute to shaping the global order and addressing
various challenges faced by the international community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the anglophone world institutions an important role in shaping the future of
English, serving as custodians of its richness, diversity, and adaptability. As English continues to
evolve in response to global dynamics, these institutions will navigate the delicate balance
between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. Through their collective efforts, they not
only uphold the standards of the language but also foster inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring
that English remains a bridge for communication across cultures.
References

Crystal, D. (1997) English as a Global language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Graddol, D. ( 1997). There Future of English. London: The British Council.

Edited by Thomas G. Weiss and Sam Daws, The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations;

Thomas G. Weiss, Global Governance and the United Nations System;

James Raymond Vreeland, The International Monetary Fund: Politics of Conditional Lending;

Devesh Kapur, John Prior Lewis e Richard Charles Webb, The World Bank: Its First Half Century;

Seidlhofer, Barbara. "Understanding English as a Lingua Franca." Oxford University Press, 2011.

https://en.Wikipedia.org»wik 2023