The English language is the world’s Achilles heel
References
| Title | The English language is the world’s Achilles heel |
|---|---|
| Degree of recognition | International |
| Media name/outlet | The conversation |
| Media type | Web |
| Duration/Length/Size | 800 words |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| Date | 3/04/18 |
| Description | English has achieved prime status by becoming the most widely spoken language in the world – if one disregards proficiency – ahead of Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. English is spoken in 101 countries, while Arabic is spoken in 60, French in 51, Chinese in 33, and Spanish in 31. From one small island, English has gone on to acquire lingua franca status in international business, worldwide diplomacy, and science. But the success of English – or indeed any language – as a “universal” language comes with a hefty price, in terms of vulnerability. Problems arise when English is a second language to either speakers, listeners, or both. No matter how proficient they are, their own understanding of English, and their first (or “native”) language can change what they believe is being said. |
| Producer/Author | Guillaume Thierry |
| URL | https://theconversation.com/the-english-language-is-the-worlds-achilles-heel-93817 |
| Persons | Guillaume Thierry |