English as a world language

the language of diplomacy and international communications, business, tourism, science,

education, computer technologies, media and Internet.

in the fifth century. From the fifteenth century, the British

began to sail all over the world and became explosers colonists and imperialists.

of
the world for the last hundreed years. At the end
of

the 19th century and firs quarter of the 20th, it
welcomed millions of European immigrants who
had fled their countries ravaged by war, ravaged
or famine. Before the Treaty of Versailles
diplomacy was conducted in French. However,
President Woodrow Wilson succeeded in having the
treaty in English as well. Since then, English started
being used in diplomacy and gradually in Economic
relations and the media.

largely on the political, economical, demographic and cultural trends in

the world. The beginning of the 21st century is a time of global transition. According to some experts, faster economic globalization is going hand in hand with growing use of English. More and more are being encouraged to use English rather than their own language.

be expected to be uncomfortable and at times traumatic experience

for many people around the world. The opposite view, that next 20 years or so will be a critical time for the English language and for those who dpend upon it. The patterns of usage and public attitudes to Enlish which develop during this period will have long-term effects for its future in the world.