English as “Lingua Franca”

What does it mean?

English as Lingua Franca 80% of English speakers are non-native English speakers (it’s a second language) Used as a local, national, and international means of communication Found globally, but especially in former colonies of the united kingdom, and areas where the united states has been heavily involved in foreign affairs

Not the queen’s English! Not exactly standard english English as Lingua Franca is sometimes called “BSE” or “Bad Simple English” Its use differs across areas: Using who and Which interchangeably “The King who Rules the land” vs “The King which rules the land” Omission / addition of letters Color vs colour Less attention to proper grammar; more significant as an effective means of communication

Why English? A result of the United states and united kingdom’s success as global superpowers UK colonies Us trade and foreign relations Diplomacy Trade Technology Classic literature ShakespearE Pop Culture Hollywood

Effects? 55% of the internet is in English 80% of global business corporations use English to communicate 85% of international organizations use English United Nations World Health Organization Nato 55% of the internet is in English

Is this linguistic imperialism or just cultural diffusion? Some scholars say that the use of English as lingua franca is just another example of the “western World” culturally dominating developing nations. Some who learn English as a second language begin doing so as a pre- teen. There is a risk that the learner will not speak either their native language or English perfectly and thus suffer from communication issues.