The reasons why English is the world language can be traced back to historical events and technological developments.
Why is English the world language? Historical roots and colonialism
The reason why English is the world language lies in the history of the British colonial empire. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Britain began to control trade routes and establish colonies in North America, Africa, India and Australia. This led to English becoming the administrative and everyday language in many parts of the world.
- British colonial empire: Britain used its colonial territories to expand the influence of the English language. In the colonies, such as India, English became the language of administration to facilitate British rule. This had long-term effects, as English retained an important role in these regions even after the end of the colonial period.
- Distribution through trade: The expansion of the British Empire went hand in hand with the creation of global trade routes. Merchants and sailors used English as the international language of trade. During this period, maritime vocabulary shaped many English expressions that we still use today, such as “fathom out” or “the bitter end”.
- Linguistic influence: During colonization, English also adopted terms from other languages. For example, words like “pyjamas” come from Hindi and “kindergarten” from German. This constant language development helped English to adapt flexibly to new cultures and living environments.
Technological progress and economy
English as a world language was further consolidated by the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the USA as an economic superpower. The reasons for this are varied and profound.
- Industrial Revolution: With the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain in the 18th century, English became the language of technology and progress. Terms such as “engine” and “telegraph” entered everyday language. New machines and technologies required new vocabulary, which was adopted globally.
- Rise of the USA: By the end of the Second World War, English had become established, thanks to the economic and cultural influence of the USA. American films, music and technology spread worldwide, and with them the language. Many international organizations, from the UN to international aviation, use English for official communication.
- Digitalisation and the Internet: In today's digital world, English plays a central role. Around 60% of all content on the Internet is available in English, which further increases the importance of this language.