General Discussions

**needforspeed** · 05-10-2007, 04:37 AM

Good morning,
I am an italian student of the University of Salerno, in Campania.
I am writing a thesis about "English as a global language" analysing the positives and negatives aspects.
I have composed a questionnaire "MULTIPLE CHOICE" to know what think english's people about this matter.
I am enclosing you the questionnaire and I would be grateful if you could answer it.
Thank you very much.

**ADAM Web Design** · 05-10-2007, 10:37 AM

You do know this is a web design board, right?

**DaveMo~** · 05-11-2007, 02:14 AM

I usually help when it comes to questionaires, but not when it's a text file that needs to be downloaded and uploaded. I suggest that you use one of the free online services for questionaires and you'll probably get more answers. I'll certainly answer it then.

And I know you'll probably post this at several forums, but it really doesn't have alot to do with webmastering....even though this is the General Discussions forum and it's allowed.

Dave

**needforspeed** · 05-11-2007, 04:14 AM

ok.thank you.

**ultra** · 05-11-2007, 04:23 AM

i say copy paste question and put in here .... webmasters are two lazy to edit and upload .... and for free no ways (joke) .... copy ur questions and post it here people will answer ....

**needforspeed** · 05-11-2007, 09:01 AM

ok:

Multiple choice Questions :

1- Why English is the most predominant language nowadays? Why has it become a global language?
-English colonialism and politic power of England
-politic and imperialistic power of the USA after the second world war
-economic influence and power of USA and UK
-American culture and music
-technologic development
-characteristics of English language(easy,simple,ibride)
-other considerations
2- If another nation will be more powerful in the future, could English lose its prestige as it happened for Latin or French?
-yes
-no
-probably
-other considerations
3-Can English be considered as a positive factor in the international growth of the economy?
-yes
-no
-I don’t know
-other considerations
4-Could the “leadership” of English as a “global language” cause a levelling of the culture into a “global” culture, so to become¬ a danger for minority cultures and traditions?
-yes
-no
-yes but English isn’t guilty
-maybe
5-The spread of English around the world has generated new varieties of English in the different territories where it has taken root. Could this aspect be a loss for international communications?
-yes
-no
-I don’t know
-other considerations
6-Many experts say that the rise of English as a global language has caused the disappearance of minority languages . Is this a loss, according to you?
-yes
-no
-yes but English isn’t the only guilty
-other considerations
7- With the spread of English globally, new words and new varieties have emerged. Do you think it could be a serious danger for Standard English?
-yes
-no
-changes are inevitables
-maybe
-I don’t know
-other considerations

8- Nowadays the most important requirement in order to get a job is a good competence in English. Could the loss of this requirement be a disadvantage in our society?
-yes
-no
-sometimes yes
-other considerations
9-Has “Internet” influenced the spread of of global English according to you? Will it help English maintain its global influence?
-it has influenced and will help English to maintain its global influence
-it hasn’t influenced particularly but will help English in the future
-it hasn’t influenced particularly and will not help English in the future
-I don’t know
10-Some experts have seen the promotion of English around the world as a neo-imperialist project or as a linguistic discrimininations. What do you think about it?
-yes,I agree
-no,I don’t agree
-other considerations
11-Many European countries, as Italy and France, defend their mother-tongue; many others consider English very important for international communications and relations. Is the role of English in Europe a danger or a resource?
-a danger
-a resource
-both
-other considerations
12-Inevitably, the formation of new varieties of English raises the spectre of the possible dissolution of English into new languages as it happened when Latin gave rise to the various Romance languages. Is English in the same danger?
-yes
-no
-maybe
-I haven’t idea
-other considerations
13-Will those who speak English as a native language automatically be in a position of power compared to those who have to learn it as a second or foreign language?
-yes
-no
- it depends on the degree of knowledge of the language
-maybe
-I don’t know
14-Surfing the web I have read how many English, American, Canadian or Australian scholars think that a god knowledge of English is enough for their career. As a matter of fact, when we read a book of an Anglo-saxon writer, the bibliography is only made up of English texts.Is it a disadvantage for writers of books written in another language? Is this a negative aspect?
-yes. it’s a disadvantage and a negative aspect.
-no. it isn’t a disadvantage
-yes. It’s a disadvantage but not a negatives aspect
-other considerations
15-In the past the European Union tried to adopt a “lingua franca”, Esperanto, but this project failed. Could English be the next experiment?
-yes
-no
-english,automatically,will become the global language of the world
-I don’t know
16-Many experts and linguists discuss about the “English question”. What is your opinion about the future of English? Will it remain the world’s language?
-I don’t know
-I think english will become the global language of the world
-I think other languages will be more important than English
-I think english will change its linguistic characteristics
-other considerations
17-In many countries the teaching of English as a “foreign language” is compulsory. What do you think about it?
-it’s a good choice
-it’s a bad choice
-I don’t know
-other considerations
18-What is your opinion about learning English nowadays? Is it a way to enrich our culture or merely a way to adapt ourselves to modern society?
-a way to enrich our culture
-a way to adapt ourselves to society
-boht
-learning English is useless
19-Can a global language eliminate the motivation for non native speakers to learn such an important language ?
-yes, it could eliminate the motivation
-no,it doesn’t eliminate the motivation
-other considerations
And for native students will the presence of their language as “global language” make them lazy about learning other languages or reduce their opportunities to do it?
-yes
-no
-other considerations

**ultra** · 05-11-2007, 12:48 PM

1- Why English is the most predominant language nowadays? Why has it become a global language?
in india its just because of british rule over india

2- If another nation will be more powerful in the future, could English lose its prestige as it happened for Latin or French?
No

3-Can English be considered as a positive factor in the international growth of the economy?
-yes

4-Could the “leadership” of English as a “global language” cause a levelling of the culture into a “global” culture, so to become¬ a danger for minority cultures and traditions?
nope

5-The spread of English around the world has generated new varieties of English in the different territories where it has taken root. Could this aspect be a loss for international communications?
nope (english is english this will not effect much)

6-Many experts say that the rise of English as a global language has caused the disappearance of minority languages . Is this a loss, according to you?
nope

7- With the spread of English globally, new words and new varieties have emerged. Do you think it could be a serious danger for Standard English?
yes and no only in spoken english i think

8- Nowadays the most important requirement in order to get a job is a good competence in English. Could the loss of this requirement be a disadvantage in our society?
nope

9-Has “Internet” influenced the spread of of global English according to you? Will it help English maintain its global influence?
-it has influenced and will help English to maintain its global influence

10-Some experts have seen the promotion of English around the world as a neo-imperialist project or as a linguistic discrimininations. What do you think about it?
cant say

**needforspeed** · 05-11-2007, 04:38 PM

there are other 9 questions(11-19)

.thank you very much.hi.

**ForrestCroce** · 05-12-2007, 06:06 PM

1- Why English is the most predominant language nowadays? Why has it become a global language?

Pretty much all of these, except that from everything I've heard, English is one of the most difficult languages to learn, because every grammatical rule has a dozen exceptions. The past couple centuries of UK/US economic and military rule spread English across the globe, and the internet doesn't hurt.

2- If another nation will be more powerful in the future, could English lose its prestige as it happened for Latin or French?

Sure, but there's a lot of momentum to overcome.

3-Can English be considered as a positive factor in the international growth of the economy?

Yes. Whether it's fair that it should be English or not, having a common language that allows people from different cultures to communicate with each other directly is a very positive development. There's a many thousand years old story about a "Tower of Babel" that makes this point.

4-Could the “leadership” of English as a “global language” cause a levelling of the culture into a “global” culture, so to become¬ a danger for minority cultures and traditions?

Well there's an awful lot more to culture than language. Most traditions stand up just as well in English as they do in Ilocano.

We seem to be exporting more than just language, though. The French are worried that American culture is overtaking their own, and have quotas on how many US vs local songs can be played on the radio. This isn't the language's fault, though; the spread of English is a symptom of what's also spreading US consumer culture.

5-The spread of English around the world has generated new varieties of English in the different territories where it has taken root. Could this aspect be a loss for international communications?

On balance, it's probably easier to communicate with someone who speaks a different dialect of the same language than an entirely different language. And if we're talking about globalization, then we're not talking about an Italian speaker being able to comprehend half of what a Spanish speaker can say

6-Many experts say that the rise of English as a global language has caused the disappearance of minority languages . Is this a loss, according to you?

I've read a lot about this, but living in the US it really isn't something many of us see firsthand. I think there's real value to the diversity we've achieved as a species - a lot like bulldogs versus poodles versus huskies - and it's sad to see indigenous languages disappear forever.

7- With the spread of English globally, new words and new varieties have emerged. Do you think it could be a serious danger for Standard English?

No; language is always evolving. Technology has created a lot of new words and new meanings for old ones, too.

8- Nowadays the most important requirement in order to get a job is a good competence in English. Could the loss of this requirement be a disadvantage in our society?

Well ... what's "our society?" You've already got replies from two or three continents. I'm writing from the US West Coast, and being competent in English has never got me a job. Here, it's expected, at least in the IT industry, and really doesn't do a thing to differentiate people.

9-Has “Internet” influenced the spread of of global English according to you? Will it help English maintain its global influence?

There are plenty of html tags like title, strong, head, table, that are English words; the same goes with SQL update, insert, select, create or alter constructs. On the other hand, there's plenty of software that exists in multiple languages that will write html or SQL for you. English as a backbone at least for a lot of software development technologies is going to naturally give it some amount of boost, but the jury's out on exactly how much.

10-Some experts have seen the promotion of English around the world as a neo-imperialist project or as a linguistic discrimininations. What do you think about it?

I don't think when Bill Gates bought DOS on the cheap, when Steve Jobs built the Mac, an so on, that these people were scheming to discriminate against non-English speakers in countries they had never been to.

11-Many European countries, as Italy and France, defend their mother-tongue; many others consider English very important for international communications and relations. Is the role of English in Europe a danger or a resource?

Unlike in the States, most people in Europe speak two or three languages. A lot of Europeans are fluent, or very close to it, in English, but speak their own language at home an in their thoughts.

12-Inevitably, the formation of new varieties of English raises the spectre of the possible dissolution of English into new languages as it happened when Latin gave rise to the various Romance languages. Is English in the same danger?

No, and this is really the same question as #5, so that answer would fit here, too.

13-Will those who speak English as a native language automatically be in a position of power compared to those who have to learn it as a second or foreign language?

That depends on a LOT of things. I've worked for people who had a better command of the language than me, and people who had a lesser degree of comfort with English, but for other reasons were in a very good position. I was a report writer in a company who's employees were almost exclusively Indian, a few with H1B visas. My boss hadn't been speaking English for very long, and wasn't terribly comfortable with it, but was a genius when it came to Oracle.

All of my coworkers were fascinated by the idea of a white vegetarian. Maybe that's why they tolerated me only being able to understand English, and really needing it to be spoken at a particular tempo and rhythm. Which brings up a point about local customs and traditions ... a person couldn't move from London to Hong Kong and expect to launch a successful business just on the merit of speaking English. As an IT worker in the US, I've had to learn a great deal about a lot of US laws ( like SOX & HIPAA ). Everybody has the advantage of knowing their local culture, independent of language.

14-Surfing the web I have read how many English, American, Canadian or Australian scholars think that a god knowledge of English is enough for their career. As a matter of fact, when we read a book of an Anglo-saxon writer, the bibliography is only made up of English texts.Is it a disadvantage for writers of books written in another language? Is this a negative aspect?

If there's enough demand, a book will be translated. If it's electronic, Google Translations can give you a general idea, at least between a handful of languages. I'm sure that's going to continue to evolve.

15-In the past the European Union tried to adopt a “lingua franca”, Esperanto, but this project failed. Could English be the next experiment?

Probably, but it seems like this is driven more by the market than mandate. And it seems like English is already doing much better.

16-Many experts and linguists discuss about the “English question”. What is your opinion about the future of English? Will it remain the world’s language?

Depends on an awful lot. There's really no way to know.

17-In many countries the teaching of English as a “foreign language” is compulsory. What do you think about it?

In the short term, it's good for both the countries involved, and for English speakers in other parts of the world. In the long term, this might change, depending on how things go with China and India returning to their ancient roles driving the world's economy, and on how backward compatible the world's IT infrastructure is going to be.

18-What is your opinion about learning English nowadays? Is it a way to enrich our culture or merely a way to adapt ourselves to modern society?

It's mostly economic, but as much as people complain about our consumer culture, there are some things we got right. And being exposed to new ideas is always a good thing.

19-Can a global language eliminate the motivation for non native speakers to learn such an important language ?

I don't understand the question.

And for native students will the presence of their language as “global language” make them lazy about learning other languages or reduce their opportunities to do it?

This is already happening. We have Spanish and French in most US high schools, but it's a small fraction of non-Latino Americans who can speak Spanish, and not that many of any type of Americans speak French. You might have to take a year of a foreign language in college ( which is almost 20 years after you loose your ability to really learn a language ), but we're not required to become anything like fluent, and most of us don't see much opportunity in our everyday lives to speak another language. Conveniently, everybody else seems to be learning English, so we really don't have a lot of motivation. Which really doesn't help us in the long term.

**ADAM Web Design** · 05-13-2007, 01:50 AM

1. I personally attribute it to the large number of Commonwealth nations (I believe 52), the number of English speaking countries in general (such as the US) that aren't in the Commonwealth, and the number of programming languages that are English-based (Visual Basic comes to mind.)

2. Not unless the nation (e.g. China) had a population base large enough to instill the new language and assimilate others into the language and culture.

3. Yes. See ForrestCroce's answer.

4. No, because a number of cultures and civilizations still refuse to accept English as their mother tongue. There also seems to be resentment of the cultures associated with the English language, as Forrest illustrated.

5. Yes, because different English dialects lead to international confusion.

For example, consider the phrase "bum a fag". In England, it means borrow a cigarette. In North America...something not so nice.

6. Not to me. The fewer languages people have to speak, the easier it will be to teach them one tongue and improve communication and understanding among cultures. It may also lead to more peaceful relations among those cultures.

7. No, I'm jiggy wit' the concept. (Look up "jiggy"...it's an official word according to Webster's.)

8. Yes. Reducing a standard (or eliminating it altogether) reduces the overall quality and competence of the employee hired to meet that standard. In this case, the standard is that of communication.

9. No. It has increased the spread of English dialects and phrases that have led to an increased level of confusion among those who speak the language. A phrase that I use may completely confuse someone who hasn't heard it before, and vice versa.

10. I honestly think that the idea sounds like nothing more than PC thuggery. It's not like English is being forced down anyone's throat; people can choose to communicate in English or not communicate in English, with both positive and negative consequences for each choice.

11. A resource, since English is more universal in Europe than the native tongues of the various regions and nations.

12. Yes. The increase in use of dialect could lead to the increase in enough new words, phrases and contexts within that dialect to classify it as a new language.

13. Not necessarily. It would depend on whether or not being able to communicate in English is a necessity within the career/life path one chooses to take.

14. First of all, I'm surprised Canadian scholars exist. Well, not really...they're probably washed-up university professors with nothing better to do.

Second, I would echo Forrest's sentiments; quality materials in non-English languages can and will be translated on demand, and more than enough translators are present for such services these days.

15. Anything's possible. Is it likely that English would be the next selected language for such an experiment? I'd say it's more likely to be selected than any other language, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see Spanish or French selected either.

16. Short-term (as in about the next 20 years), I'd say so. I wouldn't speculate beyond that, because the growth of society in terms of intellectual capabilities, social skills, and language skills is inconsistent at best. We could see a Renaissance period of sorts as it pertains to communications, or we could sit here for the rest of the century scratching our heads and wondering what we can come up with next. We seem to be stuck in the latter scenario right now, but it's too hard to accurately predict when we'll break out of that rut.

17. As someone who lives in a country with a large immigrant population, I support this decision 100%. Immigrants who come to Canada and do not know the English language have a very difficult time surviving and gaining the necessary skills to be productive members of society, and as a result tend to bring the rest of the citizens of this country down slightly until the immigrants can catch up.

I don't have any problem with immigration as such, but the lack of English communication skills poses a big problem and I would personally rather prospective newcomers to Canada at least learned the basics before they arrived.

18. Adaptation.

19. Yes. A global language creates the need for everyone to learn it.

20 I wouldn't say so. Those of us who want to learn another language will take the time to do so anyway. That's a self-motivation question, and as such would be dependent on the individual.

**needforspeed** · 05-13-2007, 07:17 PM

a big thank you to all.i'm very happy for yours help.thank you.
continue to answer my questionnaire.bye.

**Learning Newbie** · 05-14-2007, 09:16 PM

What's Ilocano?

This has been really fascinating, will give this some thought and contribute my answers.

**needforspeed** · 05-15-2007, 12:41 PM

please help me.bye

**angele803** · 05-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Multiple choice Questions :

1- Why English is the most predominant language nowadays? Why has it become a global language?
A combination of everything except the "characteristics of the English Language". English is my first language, so I cant personally attest to this, but I have heard that English is a difficult language to learn.

2- If another nation will be more powerful in the future, could English lose its prestige as it happened for Latin or French?
Probably not, but it is a possibility. English is the primary language in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia (I am sure I am missing other countries too). This is a lot of area where English is the primary language. One country losing power probably wouldn't affect the other countries.
3-Can English be considered as a positive factor in the international growth of the economy?
-yes - absolutely! If there was a common language, international trade would definitely be simplified. However, differences in customs and cultures would still be a problem.

4-Could the “leadership” of English as a “global language” cause a levelling of the culture into a “global” culture, so to become¬ a danger for minority cultures and traditions?
-maybe - Even if English becomes a "global" language, I think people will still have their own cultural traditions. In the US, we are considered the "melting" pot of cultures and traditions. Though we have a certain, general "American Culture", individual groups still have their own cultural differences and traditions specific to their group.
5-The spread of English around the world has generated new varieties of English in the different territories where it has taken root. Could this aspect be a loss for international communications?
-yes - different variations of English words could definitely cause confusion in communication.

6-Many experts say that the rise of English as a global language has caused the disappearance of minority languages . Is this a loss, according to you?
Yes - Many people try to work to keep "lost art" languages alive. In my area of the US, we have many people who try to learn American Indian languages (Kiowa, Cherokee, etc.) alive. Many colleges here offer courses for these languages. The overwhelming need and desire to learn English has hurt these other minority languages.

7- With the spread of English globally, new words and new varieties have emerged. Do you think it could be a serious danger for Standard English?
-maybe - I think it will cause confusion among different areas

8- Nowadays the most important requirement in order to get a job is a good competence in English. Could the loss of this requirement be a disadvantage in our society?
-yes

9-Has “Internet” influenced the spread of of global English according to you? Will it help English maintain its global influence?
-it has influenced and will help English to maintain its global influence

10-Some experts have seen the promotion of English around the world as a neo-imperialist project or as a linguistic discrimininations. What do you think about it?
-Im not sure

11-Many European countries, as Italy and France, defend their mother-tongue; many others consider English very important for international communications and relations. Is the role of English in Europe a danger or a resource?
-both

12-Inevitably, the formation of new varieties of English raises the spectre of the possible dissolution of English into new languages as it happened when Latin gave rise to the various Romance languages. Is English in the same danger?
-yes

13-Will those who speak English as a native language automatically be in a position of power compared to those who have to learn it as a second or foreign language?
-maybe - I think those who speak English as a native language will definitely have an advantage over those who dont, but I dont think it will automatically give them more power.

14-Surfing the web I have read how many English, American, Canadian or Australian scholars think that a good knowledge of English is enough for their career. As a matter of fact, when we read a book of an Anglo-saxon writer, the bibliography is only made up of English texts.Is it a disadvantage for writers of books written in another language? Is this a negative aspect?
-yes. It’s a disadvantage but not a negatives aspect. These books can be translated to English and reach many more people.

15-In the past the European Union tried to adopt a “lingua franca”, Esperanto, but this project failed. Could English be the next experiment?
-yes

16-Many experts and linguists discuss about the “English question”. What is your opinion about the future of English? Will it remain the world’s language?
-I think english will become the global language of the world

17-In many countries the teaching of English as a “foreign language” is compulsory. What do you think about it?
-it’s a good choice. I think most people should attempt to learn a foreign language. In America, most colleges require several courses in a foreign language (such as Spanish or French)

18-What is your opinion about learning English nowadays? Is it a way to enrich our culture or merely a way to adapt ourselves to modern society?
-both

19-Can a global language eliminate the motivation for non native speakers to learn such an important language ?
-no,it doesn’t eliminate the motivation

And for native students will the presence of their language as “global language” make them lazy about learning other languages or reduce their opportunities to do it?
-yes - English is my native language. If it truly becomes a global language, I will have less motivation to learn another language

**needforspeed** · 05-18-2007, 06:02 PM

thank you.please continue help me.

**seolman** · 05-22-2007, 02:01 AM

Multiple choice Questions :
1- Why English is the most predominant language nowadays? Why has it become a global language?

Because most Americans are too lazy to learn a second language

2- If another nation will be more powerful in the future, could English lose its prestige as it happened for Latin or French?

Nee how mah

3-Can English be considered as a positive factor in the international growth of the economy?

Inconsequential. The world powers always make their language predominant - greek used to be the common business language.

4-Could the “leadership” of English as a “global language” cause a levelling of the culture into a “global” culture, so as to become a danger for minority cultures and traditions?

English no, cable TV from the US? absolutely.

5-The spread of English around the world has generated new varieties of English in the different territories where it has taken root. Could this aspect be a loss for international communications?

If English has spread and new forms popped up - are these dialects? If they are so different so as to not be understood by a "native" English speaker... yes (I include all English speaking countries in my term "native").

6-Many experts say that the rise of English as a global language has caused the disappearance of minority languages . Is this a loss, according to you?

Yes - languages are part of a culture - no culture should be lost unless it is a true detriment to mankind (such as promoting war or human sacrifice - or McDonalds)

7- With the spread of English globally, new words and new varieties have emerged. Do you think it could be a serious danger for Standard English?

"English" in 1700 was quite different than English today. Language evolves.

8- Nowadays the most important requirement in order to get a job is a good competence in English. Could the loss of this requirement be a disadvantage in our society?

No.

9-Has “Internet” influenced the spread of of global English according to you? Will it help English maintain its global influence?

Absolutely

10-Some experts have seen the promotion of English around the world as a neo-imperialist project or as a linguistic discrimininations. What do you think about it?

Already stated. Dominant governments always insist on their ways (I don't necessarily like or condone this - it's just a fact). Some will feel threatened by this and the global dynamics of commerce can be affected, but it is a very slow process.

11-Many European countries, as Italy and France, defend their mother-tongue; many others consider English very important for international communications and relations. Is the role of English in Europe a danger or a resource?

Learning another language is always an advantage, however one does not have to adapt a new culture just because they learn a new language. More communication between people is always good. It should promote better understanding (but doesn't always as is evident from the current world situation).

12-Inevitably, the formation of new varieties of English raises the spectre of the possible dissolution of English into new languages as it happened when Latin gave rise to the various Romance languages. Is English in the same danger?

I don't view this as a danger, just a natural result of the mix of cultures.

13-Will those who speak English as a native language automatically be in a position of power compared to those who have to learn it as a second or foreign language?

No - power depends on people agreeing with your vision - not language. Positive examples: Nelson Mandela, Ghandi. Extremely negative example: Hitler.

14-Surfing the web I have read how many English, American, Canadian or Australian scholars think that a god knowledge of English is enough for their career. As a matter of fact, when we read a book of an Anglo-saxon writer, the bibliography is only made up of English texts.Is it a disadvantage for writers of books written in another language? Is this a negative aspect?

Yes - only necause their market is limited. If more people speak English - your market is bigger. Write and print a low priced book in Chinese and sell it at a price the average person in China can afford and you may make a lot of money...

15-In the past the European Union tried to adopt a “lingua franca”, Esperanto, but this project failed. Could English be the next experiment?

Not sure but I doubt it.

16-Many experts and linguists discuss about the “English question”. What is your opinion about the future of English? Will it remain the world’s language?

Over how long a period of time?