re: England vs USA -- Why is the English language every country's second language?

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1. The British Empire

2. Exported American culture

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Because of both of these...English is the language of business. It started with the British Pound, but since WWII has been because of the U.S. Dollar. It's easier to do business with people you can communicate with.

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At this point in time, which country do you think has had the most influence on the popularity of English across the globe?

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Right now, the US of A.

Historically, obviously England/British Empire.

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This. French was the "language of business" until the 50s when American multi-nationals began to dominate the globe.

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Yep. French, for its relatively low speaker total, is still one of the most prominent secondary languages, of course.

French is still a relatively common substitute in Europe for transactions between people who don't share the same native tongue.

I have been fairly recently, great place.

It's America more than the British. Yes colonialism helped, but the Spanish Empire really did more to conquer a continent than the British did. They mostly just ruled over an already established population, while the Native Americans were pretty much just wiped out.

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English is apparently the second language in the USA now too.

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This is very true. You now need a passport to enter the Mexican northern providence known as Texas. Texas is one of the nicer places of Mexico.

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China has more English speakers than the USA.

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I believe that it is more correct to say their are more English writers than speakers. Most of Asia requires English for anyone seeking a college degree and most technical fields. But my experience is that their speaking skills are minimal to the point of non existent at times. The emphasis is on writing and comprehending written English. I do think that has and is improving, though.

And to answer the original question, it is simply commerce that prompts that. Started with Brittish imperialism but was really cemented and exploded with American capitalism and industrial innovation.

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If a Japanese guy goes to Beijing and checks into a hotel, he'll do it in English.

Someone from Finland grabbing a beer in a Belgian bar, orders that beer in English.

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A couple of years ago I was in Germany boarding a plane and the gate agent was German and he was arguing with a French passenger. They were both speaking English. Blew my mind.

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English is apparently the second language in the USA now too.

Press 1 to read the rest of this post in espanol.

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All soon to change. Better teach your kids to speak whatever the muslims speak.

You might buy a black pillow case and make your daughters wear it over them too.