Reflection on the Benefits and Challenges of the Influence of the English Language Today The influence of the English language in the world today is undeniable.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-10-02
Read the material below on the influence of the English language in the world today.
Write a text in which you reflect on some of the benefits and challenges of the influence of the English language in the world today. Use examples from the material below in your answer. You may add other material you find relevant.
Text A:
[...] English is a major language of culture, and it is the third most spoken language in the world as a native language, after Chinese and Spanish. Native speakers of English number about 373m (roughly 5% of the world population), mostly concentrated in six advanced industrialised democracies (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US), which together produce 33% of the world’s gross domestic product in nominal terms. As a result of the colonial legacy, English is an official or co-official language in many countries of the world, mainly in Africa.
The communication value of English is therefore high, and so is the interest in learning it. Many people use English as a second or foreign language. Precise estimates are risky but taken together, native and non-native speakers in the world total between 1 billion and 1.5 billion, depending on the definition of “speaker”. This amounts to 12-19% of the global population. Proficiency levels, however, are very uneven.
Text B:
The Language Council of Norway (Språkrådet) says it is concerned about the amount of English used in courses at Norwegian universities and colleges. A number of classes at higher education institutions across the country are taught entirely in English, reports broadcaster NRK.
The council said that using too much English could be damaging both during studies and for life after them.
“We are particularly concerned for new students who find that almost their entire programme is in English. We are not convinced about the learning benefits, as it’s not certain all students are good enough at English,” Ole Våge said to NRK.
“It is a big problem if only English is used in education. The vast majority of people will be working in the Norwegian labour market afterwards,” he continued.
Våge said that classes taught in English were beneficial but should not be prioritised at the expense of Norwegian.
Text C:
World map showing countries where English is a national, primary or widely spoken language.
References:
Text A: Gazzola, M. (2023): English still rules the world, but that’s not necessarily OK. Is it time to curb its power? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/27/english-world-power-language-linguistic-justice
Text B: The Local Norway (2017): Norway universities criticised for overuse of English. The Local Norway. https://www.thelocal.no/20170816/norway-universities-criticised-for-overuse-of-english
Text C: Illustration. "English language through the world". Encyclopædia Britannica.https://cdn.britannica.com/25/192325-050-BDF47C9C/Map-use-language-primary-English-countries-world.jpg
Reflection on the Benefits and Challenges of the Influence of the English Language Today
The influence of the English language in the world today is undeniable. It serves as a global lingua franca, spoken by billions and used in international communication, business, academia, and culture. However, while the widespread use of English offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges, especially in terms of cultural preservation, inequality in language proficiency, and the impact on local languages and education systems.
One of the primary benefits of the dominance of English is its role in facilitating global communication. As mentioned in Text A, English is the third most spoken language in the world, with approximately 1 to 1.5 billion speakers, many of whom use it as a second or foreign language. This wide reach enables people from different linguistic backgrounds to connect, whether in business, diplomacy, or education. For instance, English is often the language of science, technology, and global commerce. Research published in English is more likely to reach a global audience, and English-speaking countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, continue to hold significant influence in the world’s economy.
Another benefit is the economic and educational opportunities that English proficiency can offer. As countries like the United States and the United Kingdom are major economic powers, proficiency in English opens doors to job opportunities in multinational corporations or global organizations. Similarly, many of the world’s top universities use English as their primary language of instruction, allowing students who speak English to access a wider range of educational resources, research, and global networks. In this sense, English can be seen as a tool for social mobility and access to a broader world of knowledge and opportunity.
However, the widespread use of English also presents significant challenges. One such challenge is the potential for the erosion of local languages and cultures. As highlighted in Text B, the overuse of English in higher education, particularly in Norway, raises concerns about the impact on the native language, Norwegian. Ole Våge from the Language Council of Norway points out that while English-language courses may benefit some students, over-prioritizing English at the expense of the national language could be detrimental. It could lead to a generation of students who are less proficient in their mother tongue, which in turn could impact their ability to engage with their own culture and contribute meaningfully to their local societies. The dominance of English, especially in educational settings, may result in a situation where only those with high levels of English proficiency have access to certain academic opportunities, creating a linguistic divide.
Another challenge is the uneven proficiency levels in English around the world. Text A notes that while a significant portion of the global population speaks English, proficiency levels vary widely. This disparity can create inequalities, as those who are not fluent in English may face difficulties in accessing global markets, research, and educational opportunities. In countries where English is not widely spoken, individuals may find themselves at a disadvantage when competing for jobs or pursuing higher education abroad. Furthermore, as English continues to dominate global communication, speakers of other languages may feel compelled to prioritize English at the expense of their own languages, leading to the gradual decline of linguistic diversity.
Moreover, the use of English in global communication is often tied to power dynamics. The historical legacy of colonialism, where English was imposed on many countries, continues to shape global relations today. English, as the language of former colonial powers, can be seen as a symbol of dominance. This linguistic imperialism can marginalize non-English-speaking cultures and languages, reinforcing inequalities between English-speaking countries and the rest of the world.
In conclusion, while the global influence of English brings significant benefits, including improved communication, access to educational resources, and economic opportunities, it also poses challenges. The widespread use of English can threaten linguistic diversity, lead to the erosion of local languages and cultures, and create inequalities based on language proficiency. As global communication continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing English as a global tool while also preserving linguistic diversity and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all. The influence of English should be recognized as a complex issue that requires careful consideration of its impact on both individuals and societies worldwide.