The English Language

English serves as a functional alternative language in several areas of public activity for the many nations of the world which use it as an international second language. Because of its widespread use geographically, and because of the large number of people who speak it, it has been adopted as the language of aviation and air traffic. English has continued as one of the important languages of commerce, as the sphere of political and economic influence of the English-speaking nations has extended far beyond their own boundaries. The use of English in international diplomacy is strengthened by its acceptance as one of the official languages of the United Nations. And as a final example, English is the language of the majority of published materials in the world, so that education, especially specialized higher education, has come to rely very heavily on an understanding of English. In no sense does English replace the cultural heritage and emotional ties of the first language, but for many speakers throughout the world, it provides a means of communicating with people of similar training and interests who would otherwise not be able to comprehend them