Why is English considered a Global Language?

National University of Uzbekistan
Faculty of Foreign Languages and Philology
Department of Philology and Language Teaching (English)
Student of Group 2505, Ruziyeva Sitora Odil kizi

Annotatsiya: Bugungi globallashuv davrida ingliz tili faqatgina oddiy muloqot vositasi emas, balki butun dunyoni bog‘lovchi tilga aylangan. Ushbu maqolada ingliz tilining dunyo tili sifatida shakllanish sabablari, uning tarixiy ildizlari hamda sabablari, uning tarixiy ildizlari hamda zamonaviy jamiyatdagi o‘rni yoritilgan. Aynan shu til orqali xalqlar o’rtasida bilim almashinuvi, madaniy yaqinlashuv va xalqaro hamkorlik ishlari amalga oshirilmoqda.

Kalit so‘zlar: ingliz tili, globallashuv, dunyo tili, xalqaro muloqot.

Abstract: In today’s era of globalization, the English language is not merely a simple means of communication, but has become a language that connects the entire world. This article examines the reasons behind the formation of English as a global language, its historical roots, and its role in modern society. Through this language, the exchange of knowledge between nations, cultural rapprochement, and international cooperation are actively carried out.

Keywords:  English language, globalization, global language, international communication, cultural integration.

Аннотатция: В современную эпоху глобализации английский язык является не просто средством повседневного общения, но и превратился в язык, объединяющий весь мир. В данной статье освещаются причины формирования английского языка как мирового языка, его исторические корни, а также его роль в современном обществе. Именно через этот язык осуществляется обмен знаниями между народами, культурное сближение и развитие международного сотрудничества.

Ключивие слова: глобализация, английский язык, мировой язык, международное общение, культурный обмен

      Introduction. In today’s rapidly developing era of globalization, languages play a crucial and leading role in communication among people. Among them, the English language holds a special place and is currently used as the primary means of international communication in many countries around the world. According to statistical data, the number of English speakers has exceeded 1.5 billion, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally. The use of English as one of the main working languages in major international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Trade Organization clearly demonstrates its global significance. Moreover, a large proportion of contemporary scientific publications, modern technological developments, and internet content are produced in English.

The renowned linguist David Crystal, discussing the English language, states that “the language associated with powerful political and economic centers is the one that achieves global leadership.” In addition, the relatively simple structure, flexibility, and ease of learning of the English language have made it more accessible compared to many other languages.

In Uzbek literature, the power and importance of language have also been strongly emphasized. The great thinker Alisher Navoi promoted the idea that “respect for language is respect for the nation,” viewing language as the most valuable asset of a people. Today, learning English serves as an important tool for acquiring knowledge, understanding the world, and developing intercultural communication. Indeed, learning and knowing languages is never a burden for individuals; the more languages a person knows, the broader their worldview becomes.

     Review of the Literature

1. Crystal, David (2003). In English as a Global Language, the author states that the emergence of English as a global language was mainly influenced by the political and economic dominance of the British Empire and the United States.
2. McCrum, Robert (2003). In The Story of English, McCrum explains that the adaptability of the English language and its ability to quickly adopt new words played a key role in its development as a global language.
3. Ethnologue Research (2022). According to Ethnologue, English is spoken by approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide as either a native or a second language.
4. UNESCO Reports. UNESCO reports indicate that 60–70 percent of scientific articles are published in English, which highlights the leading position of English in the field of science.
5. Graddol, David (2006). In his work English Next, Graddol demonstrates with evidence that English holds a dominant position as the language of the internet, technology, and international education.

Research Methodology

This study is aimed at scientifically examining the process through which the English language has developed into a global language, its historical roots, and its role in society on a global scale. In the course of the research, a theoretical and analytical method was employed. Through this method, scholarly literature on the formation of English as a global language, the views of linguists, and contemporary research findings were thoroughly analyzed.

In addition, a sociolinguistic approach was used to investigate the functional roles of English in modern society, including its use in international communication, science, education, cultural exchange, and information technology. This approach serves to demonstrate that English functions as an important tool for the exchange of knowledge and mutual understanding among different nations and cultures.

The study also applies a comparative method, through which English is compared with other widely spoken languages. This allows for a scientific examination of the simplicity, adaptability, and rapid global acquisition of the English language.

As the methodological foundation of the research, theories concerning the close relationship between language and society were taken into account, along with ideas found in Uzbek literature regarding the role of language in the life of a nation and its culture. In particular, the concept of respect for language put forward by the great writer Alisher Navoi is considered an important theoretical perspective for understanding the significance of the English language in the modern world.

 Analysis and Results

The results of the analysis indicate the following:

1. The English language has become firmly established as a global means of communication through political and economic influence on a worldwide scale.
2. The dominance of English in the fields of science, technology, and business has positioned it as an essential international tool.
3. The spread of the English language through culture and media plays a significant role in shaping global social and cultural dynamics.
4. As a result, English is used not only as an official international language but also as a universal means of communication across numerous fields.

Conclusion

This article examined the status of the English language as a global language. Today, English is considered one of the most important languages on a global scale, as it facilitates effective communication in the fields of international interaction, science, education, and technology. Learning English is a key factor in personal development, professional growth, and competitiveness in the global arena. The research focused on identifying the problem of the global spread of English and the factors contributing to it.

The results of the analysis indicate that political and economic power, dominance in science and technology, as well as dissemination through culture and media have significantly contributed to the formation of English as an international means of communication. On this basis, it has been confirmed that English is not only effective in international communication but also serves as a practical and efficient tool across various fields.

Furthermore, the widespread global use of English continues to strengthen its position worldwide. The rapid development of information technologies, the expansion of international education programs, and the growing demand for highly qualified professionals in the global labor market have made proficiency in English a necessity. From this perspective, mastering the English language plays an important role in broadening the worldview of the younger generation and shaping them into competitive specialists who meet the demands of the modern world. Therefore, the scientific study of the factors that reinforce the status of English as a global language remains a relevant and essential task today.

References

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