While this might sound as news to a majority of people, history and credible records show that English remains as the dominant global language of the 21st century. Reports indicate that the English language is spoken at a functional level by about 1.75 billion people across the globe constituting approximately a quarter of the population of the world. Considered as a language of communication, information technology, science, entertainment, business, and diplomacy, English has increasingly become the operating system for the international conversation. From this perspective, it is imperative that in the present day, one speaks or at least understands English. This may be one of the most important things when one is thinking about working or studying abroad. With the world quickly advancing because of technology and becoming a global village, the need to understand as well as speak English has transited from being special to a requirement. English has assumed the status of a global lingua franca given that it makes it possible for one to communicate with people across the globe and from diverse cultures. As a global language, English has a huge influence on several other languages along with the global development. Understanding the impact that English has on the global development implies that one comprehends the meaning of the language being global. Essentially, referring to English as a global language means that it is learned as well as spoken internationally and is characterized by the number of it’s natives along with those of the second speakers. In addition, the language gains the status of global based on its geographical distribution as well as its use in the diplomatic relations and international organizations. Therefore, simply put, English as a global language allows people from different backgrounds as well as ethnicities to communicate on relatively equitable foundation.
Since one of the features that make English a global language regards its use in the diplomatic relations and organizations, this has provided an avenue for the language to influence global development. There are a number of aspects of the English language that has made its impact positively on global development. For instance, studies show that the transactions that are undertaken among the people who share a common language tend to be lower both in magnitude as well as number of which may not occur otherwise. Therefore, the fact that a majority of people can communicate using English has made it easier for them to write agreements that have seen development in different countries across the globe. A majority of the diplomatic discussions are done using a common language, English making it easier for the parties to commit to undertaking the projects they have jointly signed. Network externalities may also surface if there is convergence towards the use of a single language in most cases a larger one like English thereby boasting the larger number of the speakers. These externalities may surface via faster adoption of the new technologies or via easier trade regarded as vital for global development. Therefore, for those considering taking the PTE tests preparations, remember that English is a requirement.