English everywhere

English is the world's most important language. There are thousands of different languages in the world, and it is in the nature of languages that each one seems uniquely important to those who speak it as their native language - that is, their first tongue.

But there are more objective standards of relative importance:

One criterion is the number of native speakers that a language happens to have. A second is the extent to which a language is geographically dispersed: in how many continents and countries is used? A third is to what extent is it a medium for science and literature or any other highly regarded cultural manifestation - including "way of life"? A fourth is the economic and political influence of those who speak it as "their own" language.

English is a top requirement for those seeking jobs and is often the language in which most of the business is conducted. One needs it to access to at least one half of the world's scientific literature. It is also the language of automation, computer technology and international aviation, shipping and sport. It is to considerable degree of universal language of literacy and public communication. About 60 per cent of world's radio broadcasts and 70 per cent of the world's mail are in English.