Future of English
- Ongoing Evolution:
- The story of English is ongoing and cannot be concluded like classical literary works such as Milton’s epics or Shakespeare’s plays.
- English continues to evolve, much like the continuous evolution of modern humanity.
- Purpose of English Language Learning:
- The primary aim of teaching English is to help learners (especially those for whom English is a second or third language) to understand, enjoy, and master the language.
- Mastery of English is seen as a way to promote better human understanding, cooperation, and work culture.
- Contribution to the Language:
- Each individual contributes to the ongoing story of English, similar to how stories in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Panchatantra, and Jataka Tales unfold and connect.
The Future of English:
- Two Perspectives on English’s Future:
- Decline Like Latin: Some people believe English might follow the path of Latin, which was once a world language but eventually split into various languages (e.g., Spanish, French, Italian) after the fall of the Roman Empire, leading Latin to fall out of common use.
- Global Standard English: Others believe that the different varieties of English will merge into a single Global Standard English, which will be used universally in:
- International travel and tourism.
- International press coverage.
- Communication between governments.
- Multinational business organizations.
- Uncertain Outcome:
- The future of English is uncertain-whether it will decline like Latin or unify into a global standard is yet to be seen.
Modern Usage of English:
- Changes in the 20th Century:
- The latter part of the 20th century saw rapid changes in English, with many traditional concepts of grammar, spelling, and pronunciation becoming more flexible.
- The Internet’s Influence:
- The internet has played a significant role in these changes. In 1995, about 45 million people used the internet worldwide; by 2006, this number had more than doubled.
- The rise of cyber cafes and internet usage in India reflects not only the popularity of computers and the internet but also their necessity.
- English in Technology:
- Currently, English is the dominant language used in computing and the internet, although efforts are being made in various countries to develop software in their native languages.
- Continued Evolution:
- The story of English continues, with its evolution closely tied to technological advancements and global communication needs.
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