Are the days of English as world language counted?

Skybird · 12-31-10, 08:00 AM

http://www.economist.com/node/17730434

Quote:

English is expanding as a lingua-franca but not as a mother tongue. More than 1 billion people speak English worldwide but only about 330m of them as a first language, and this population is not spreading. The future of English is in the hands of countries outside the core Anglophone group. Will they always learn English?

Mr Ostler suggests that two new factors—modern nationalism and technology—will check the spread of English.
(...)
English will fade as a lingua-franca, Mr Ostler argues, but not because some other language will take its place. No pretender is pan-regional enough, and only Africa’s linguistic situation may be sufficiently fluid to have its future choices influenced by outsiders. Rather, English will have no successor because none will be needed. Technology, Mr Ostler believes, will fill the need.

DarkFish · 12-31-10, 10:51 AM

Our current technology is still a long, long way from this. Ever tried google translate? Computers still can not read and understand texts the way a human reader does. Not by miles.

STEED · 12-31-10, 12:25 PM

Yes..

I'm learning Klingon.

Qapla'

antikristuseke · 12-31-10, 12:29 PM

You mean welsh, STEED?

STEED · 12-31-10, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antikristuseke

You mean welsh, STEED?

Jimbuna · 12-31-10, 01:10 PM

I thought Spanish was more common in a worldwide context

Either that or Vendoran

TLAM Strike · 12-31-10, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEED

I'm learning Klingon.

You and half the Alpha Quadrant.

01-01-11, 05:47 AM

If they are counted what language are they counted in?

12-31-10, 10:51 AM	#2
DarkFish Sea Lord Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stinking drunk in Eindhoven, the Netherlands Posts: 1,844 Downloads: 28 Uploads: 0	Our current technology is still a long, long way from this. Ever tried google translate? Computers still can not read and understand texts the way a human reader does. Not by miles. __________________

12-31-10, 12:25 PM	#3
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	Yes.. I'm learning Klingon. Qapla' __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

12-31-10, 01:10 PM	#6
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,525 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I thought Spanish was more common in a worldwide context Either that or Vendoran __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

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12-31-10, 12:29 PM	#4
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	You mean welsh, STEED?

01-01-11, 05:47 AM	#8
Tribesman Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	If they are counted what language are they counted in?