English is on the rise to becoming the first universal language of the world. Is this a positive, or a negative thing? As with most topics, there are two sides. After World War 2, there was a rise in economic influence from the United States, carrying English abroad to other cultures. With that brought a demand of English in many different economies, making English a competitive skill to have. Depending on what field you are in, this could be very helpful.

In the science field, a common language that is more universal is beneficial to fluency throughout the field bringing with it a higher chance of international recognition. In world publishing, as it stands now, English is the dominate language being published and translated to. This makes it easier for English writers to reach a world market. It comparison, non-English writers will have a more difficult time reaching a world audience than a native English writer. English Translations are on the rise as more and more demand for the English language is being created the world over. The domination of English in moves and television is the greatest, even over literature.

Do we loose or gain because of this? Should a great book or poem not be translated just because it was not originally created in English? In a world of 6 billion people that is ever growing, a universal language can be a positive thing. It is important to understand that with an increasing world population, a large aspect of our world needs to be seen as a whole community. There is no denying that whether we want to or not, everybody needs to be able to communicate in some common way. With the ratio of people to land and resources, it makes the need for common communication obvious. We share the planet and depend on each other more and more each day. English should be used to breed understanding and agreement with each other.

That being said, a global language is all well and good as long as it doesn’t overshadow. When somebody says reggae, most people immediately think of Bob Marley. Bob Marley was a great vessel for reggae music and everything that comes with it. It’s not so important that you like reggae, but the exposure is the key. But, can most people name five other Jamaican reggae artists? Probably not. This being the only downside to Bob Marley, the shadow he cast over all other reggae music.

The same goes for a universal language. We don’t want it to cast a shadow. It should be used as a bridge to everything that the world has to offer; other cultures, communities, languages, arts, people, etc. “We might as well pretend that there would be no loss if all musical composers wrote for the cello.” This quote illustrates that point even further. Music could be considered the natural universal language. Music is a wonderful thing. It is created the world over, but it is n to limited to one instrument or singer. Music is a platform for which the many infinite outlets of musical expression can be created. English can been seen and used in the same way. A platform that allows and breeds understanding between countries, communities, people, nature and the arts.

Julia Seastrand