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English as a Lingua Franca-Literature Review

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Institution
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Introduction

The term "English as a lingua franca (ELF)" refers to the global use of the English

language for inter-community communication. According to Nordquist (2020), ELF is the

teaching, learning, and use of the English language as the ordinary means of transmitting

communication, primarily by the various speakers of native languages who regard English as

their second language. Similarly, Jenkins (2013) believes that the use of the English language is

not a new concept or phenomena, but has been in existence since the 16th century, and after the

Second World War, in which Britain and the United States of America were heavily involved, it

spread to many parts of the world. These can also be attributed to colonization, primarily by

Britain.

Over the last thirty years, the use of English has surged. Its user base has grown

significantly, establishing it as the universal language status quo (Jenkins and Baker, 2020).

Scholars are also interested in the spectacle of its use and how it has blended well into

intercultural communication. English is currently the most widely used language globally, from

machine learning to tourism, and its use in international trade, international dispute resolution,

business, and higher education institutions (Nordquist, 2020). The English languages has become

the most respected channel or mode of communication and the only option preferred by most

native speakers.

Therefore, this paper will attempt to assess the use and reach of the English language as a

lingua franca in the twenty-first century and the reasons and why, despite being a secondary

language, it is the most preferred means of communication by most native speakers. According

to Agathokleous (2018), "The fact that English is the most widely used language as a lingua
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franca raises serious issues of proper definition, effective research methods, successful teaching

and evaluation, and respect for the world's multicultural environment today." The paper will also

address the challenges in its quest to become a global language, such as whether it leads to the

loss and erosion of native speakers' cultures. The review will be carried out through critical and

evaluative analysis of existing literature materials on ELF, which will assist us in reaching a

conclusion and recommending possible solutions to the effect of ELF on the global community,

i.e., what implications does it have?

Why English is the most preferred Means of Communication?

As of 2022, there are about 1.5 billion English users worldwide, either natively or as a

secondary language (Szmigiera, 2022). Roughly 350 million people use English as their native

language. Nordquist (2020) notes that English is the most preferred means of communication

globally because the forms and structure of the English language are easier to learn, understand,

and compose when compared to other languages.

It is the preferred language for business; this can be attested that most low or high-class

people desire to learn the English language. Most employers mainly prefer it due to its

effectiveness in communication. The English language is used in academics as it is very efficient

and very effective in communication (Nordquist, 2020). Buchanan (2017) attributes the global

use of ELF because it enables most people to express themselves easily.

Other reasons include; the expansion of the British Empire. Initially, Britons were the

only English speaking people, but due to the expansion of their trade activities overseas and the

factor of colonization, the language naturally spread to other places. It was mainly used in

administration and teaching in schools. Technology also has a part to play, as the evolution and
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the invention of the internet were done in English. The internet was invented in the U.S.

Similarly, the world of science is dominated by English, eroding the Latin language factor.

English is also regarded as a 'cool' language. It is often associated with high ranking celebrities

e.g., Hollywood and Nollywood. It is the most commonly used language in music and the film

industry, and it is often related to signifying a particular culture/lifestyle of the Americans

(Buchanan, 2017). The need to distinguish with the cultural norms and values of English native

speakers is widely held to be the main incentive for learning and using the English language.

The Use, and the Reach of ELF

As a lingua franca, English is regarded as culturally diverse rather than culture-neutral.

Most native community speakers have adopted English and varied it to befit their culture and

way of life. As a result, some features have been eroded whilst others have been added. One

notable variability feature is words and grammar (lexicogrammar) and pronunciation. The

English language is undergoing change which the non-native speakers are mainly bringing.

Lingua franca interaction concentrates more on functionality than the form (Jenkins and Baker,

2020). The pertinent issue is whether the message has been relayed, not the correctness of the

language. Therefore, this leads to different modifications of the English language to befit specific

meanings as per the given community.

As a matter of fact, the English language is now considered a hybrid language. Some

lexicogrammar characteristics include increased succinctness, such as how long time instead of

how long. For example, we must investigate the shift in the use of prepositions and symmetric

question identifiers; for e.g., you're very busy these days, aren't you? Jenkins and Baker (2020). I
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believe that English, as a global language, preserves the culture and language of its speakers, as

opposed to the belief that it is culture-free and thus neutral.

Sowden (2012), on the other hand, questions which version of English should be taught

to second language learners. He believes that "As a result of its colonial history, Britain has a

colonial baggage in many post-colonial countries, hence affecting the status quo of the English

language negatively. ELF researchers have tried to describe and propose a neutralized version of

English that belongs to everyone who speaks it whether native or not.." He proposes that the real

focus should be on the principles of communicative ability rather than the issue of universal

conformity.

English, Culture and Challenges

One notable and undisputable use and importance of the English language is that it breaks

the barrier of communication between people from culturally diverse backgrounds, hence

creating a community where people can share ideas and their cultures (Johnson, 2009). It erodes

ethnicity, thus promoting universality therefore peaceful co-existence. In contrast, English does

interfere with identity and culture, as people want to be identified as belonging to a specific

class, e.g. learned and 'cool'.

 As a global language, English, has a negative impact on both itself and other languages.

It may lead to the deterioration of various languages, as they will be regarded as inferior.

According to David (2009), the following challenges exist: Linguistic ability; applies to non-

native English speakers. They will always be at a disadvantage when compared to native

speakers. Linguistic extinction; the introduction of a global language will lead to discrimination

against other languages, resulting in linguistic extinction. Identity loss; language allows us to
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retrace our steps. Other languages' extinction will result in a loss of identity and pride in one's

community and culture. Finally, it endangers social class; speaking only one language leads to a

lack of social cohesion and mutual understanding between communities.

Conclusion

As discussed above, the prospects of a global language have both their pros and cons. It is

indisputable that English as a global language has broken communication barriers, enhancing

trade, politics, settling international disputes, security, and academics. Though it has made the

world look like a small global village, it possesses serious questions on the balance of

conveniences like the death of other languages, linguistic gaps and loss of identity hence cultural

decay.

The merits of ELF mustn't make us forget our culture and identity, i.e. our mother tongue

languages. They are not inferior as most people perceive, but they are our heritage and pride.

Additionally, the use and disposition of English have gained momentum, and this can be attested

by the presence of increased secondary speakers than the native speakers. This means that the

language will change to fit the requirements of a particular community. I would recommend that,

though ELF is encouraged, it should be for secondary purposes. I believe no language is superior

to the other, and it is just that the other got wind of the others. Mechanisms should be put in

place to ensure the emergence of ELF does not erode other languages.
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References

Agathokleous, E. (2018). English as a Lingua Franca, Munich, GRIN Verlag. Retrieved 4th May,

2022, from https://www.grin.com/document/995910

Baker, W., & Jenkins, J. (2020). English as a lingua franca.

David, C. (1997). English as a global language. U.K.: Cambridge University Press. Print.

Jenkins, J. (2013). English as a lingua franca in the international university: The politics of

academic English language policy. Routledge.

Johnson, A. (2009). The rise of English: The language of globalization in China and the

European Union. Macalester International, 22(1), 12.

Nordquist, R. (2020). English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). Retrieved 4th May, 2022, from

https://www.thoughtco.com/english-as-a-lingua-franca-elf-1690578

Sowden, C. (2012). ELF on a mushroom: the overnight growth in English as a Lingua

Franca. ELT Journal, 66(1), 89-96. Retrieved 4th May, 2022, from

https://academic.oup.com/eltj/article-abstract/66/1/89/393151

Szmigiera, M. (2022). The most spoken languages worldwide in 2022. Retrieved 4th May, 2022,

from https://www.statista.com/statistics/266808/the-most-spoken-languages-worldwide/