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The predominant world lingua franca is English.

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What is today's Lingua Franca?

The English language has unmistakably achieved status as the world's lingua franca through globalization. English is now the official or dominant language for two billion people in at least 75 countries. According to the British Council, speakers of English as a second language probably outnumber those who speak it as a first language, and around 750 million people are believed to speak English as a foreign language. English is the most common language to communicate scientific, technological, academic, and international trade information. English is clearly the world's lingua franca, but how did it get that way? Part of the reason is the feedback loop driving its history - a dynamic which may serve to illustrate how globalization often is the result of a natural course of events: before English infiltrated the world, many of the world's languages infiltrated English.


Is there a universal verbal language?

No, there is no known universal verbal language. Since the late 19th Century, English has functioned as the most widely spoken "lingua franca" or universal language in the world, but it's not spoken everywhere.


Why do you have to learn English?

One does not have to learn English. However, English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and is a primary lingua franca in business affairs and otherwise. Learning English, if you do not speak it already, would help you if you want to go to school in an English-speaking nation or get a job with a multinational corporation.


What is the most understood language in the world Not most common native language but most understood worldwide?

English, overwhelmingly. It is dwarfed by native number of speakers of other languages, but has become the lingua franca for scientists, businesspeople, diplomats, &c the world over.As an example, "OK", a particularly useful English neologism, is understood by pretty much everyone, everywhere.


Three most spoken European languages in the WORLD?

I'd say English, French and Spanish. Although Portugese ranks in the 10 of world languages and French in the top twenty. French is used as a lingua franca (a second language learnt to communicate) in a lot of northern and eastern Africa. So I'd say French, Spanish and English. Hope that helps ^_^!

Related questions

What is the lingua franca of the world?

The current lingua franca is English, but that may be set to change in the next few years.


Why the united nations declare that the English language is our universal language?

The 'Lingua Franca' was French for decades... maybe centuries but when more people in the world spoke English the Lingua Franca became English.


What is the comparative of National Language and Lingua Franca?

A national language is a language intended to bind a country together. It is usually the most widely spoken language in the country, but this is not always the case. A Lingua Franca is any language that is commonly used across borders, for ease of communication. English is the most widely used lingua franca in the world. French is still a lingua franca in many parts of Europe. Sometimes, a national language also functions as a Lingua Franca within a country, if that country has many languages. Filipino is the national language of the Philippines, and it is also considered to be a lingua franca within the Philippines because only a small percentage of the people speak Filipino as their first language.


What language is viewed as a world language?

If you mean a lingua franca (or international language) usually English is viewed as that language.


Is Swahili a lingua franca?

Yes, Swahili is used as a lingua franca in much of Eastern Africa and is an official language of 5 countries.


What is the importance of the English language in the modern age?

It is the lingua franca of the world. English is more widespread than any other language.


If the entire world could be described as sharing one language what language would that be?

The lingua franca for science, technology and international business is English.


What has the author Jennifer Jenkins written?

Jennifer Jenkins has written: 'English as a Lingua Franca (Oxford Applied Linguistics)' 'The Everything Wedding Shower Book' 'World Englishes' -- subject(s): English language, Variation 'English as a Lingua Franca' -- subject(s): English language, Foreign speakers, Intercultural communication, Public opinion, Social aspects of English language, Study and teaching, Usage, Variation


Why is English so widespread?

English has become what is known as a "Lingua Franca". A Lingua Franca is a language which is common used as a second language in order to facilitate communication. There have been many lingua francas in the history of the world including French, Koine Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and Sanskrit. In order to become a lingua franca, there has to be an element of prestige associated with the language which would make people want to learn it and use it. This prestige normally comes about due to colonization, conquest, religion or economic factors. The current prestige associated with the English language came about because of two factors. The first was the based on the number of nations the British colonized prior to World War II. The second was a result of the economic power wielded around the globe by the United States after World War II. Currently, it is economically beneficial for people in many nations to learn the English language. When asked why, they will often say it is the "language of business". As an aside, it should be noted that no language has ever lasted as a permanent lingua franca. At some point, many languages lose the prestige they once held and people choose a new language to speak. In fact, if you look at the list above, many of the previous lingua franca are no longer even spoken except by the few scholars who took the time to learn them.


What is today's Lingua Franca?

The English language has unmistakably achieved status as the world's lingua franca through globalization. English is now the official or dominant language for two billion people in at least 75 countries. According to the British Council, speakers of English as a second language probably outnumber those who speak it as a first language, and around 750 million people are believed to speak English as a foreign language. English is the most common language to communicate scientific, technological, academic, and international trade information. English is clearly the world's lingua franca, but how did it get that way? Part of the reason is the feedback loop driving its history - a dynamic which may serve to illustrate how globalization often is the result of a natural course of events: before English infiltrated the world, many of the world's languages infiltrated English.


Is there a universal verbal language?

No, there is no known universal verbal language. Since the late 19th Century, English has functioned as the most widely spoken "lingua franca" or universal language in the world, but it's not spoken everywhere.


Who was a powerful voice in history?

Alexander the Great. He conquered much of the then known world in a short period, and brought Greek culture to those conquered lands, giving them a Lingua Franca (common language) which facilitated trade and philosophical study.