The fate of a global language

The Queen’s English is being pulled in many different directions around the world, but this is something to be celebrated

The World Today Updated 19 February 2021 4 minute READ

Edgar Schneider

Chair Professor of English Linguistics, University of Regensburg, and a renowned expert on ‘World Englishes’

International travellers, wherever they are from, use English these days – they just have to. There are two experiences they are all familiar with.

On the one hand, wherever you go, you get along with English. The English language has become the main tool of globalization. In transnational communication, in the worlds of business, diplomacy, education, the arts, sports and tourism, it is just expected.

On the other hand the traveller also knows that the English he or she encounters may demand some effort; it may sound strange and may be difficult to understand.

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