Band 6+: The advantages of the spread of English as a global language will continue to outweigh its disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You should write at least 250 words.

There are people that believe that the advantages of English being utilized as an international langauge will remain to outweigh its drawbacks, and I strongly agree as it facilitates communication and contributes to the world economy, while the opposing opnion thinks it would eradicate cultures and weaken local langauges.

There are two primary pros to the worldwide use of English as a global langauge. First and foremost, it made interaction easier than ever. Unlike the past, we don’t have to constantly acquire new langauges in order to interact effectively nowadays. A study published by King Saud university revealed that the reliance on translators for daily communication in 2023 had plummeted by 80% in comparison to 1951. Furthermore, it strengthened global trade. As there are no social barriers due to unity in spoken words, which supported the status of international economy. More than half of profits made by Saudi Aramco are due to oil exports with no third party envolved.

However, there are people who oppose such phenomenon for two main reasons I don’t agree with, the possible eradication of cultures and weakening of local langauges. People are afraid that English may contribute to destroying authenticity and culture for other countries, due to lack of originality in cities. For instance, when tourists travel, they find it more fun acquiring local idioms and learning directions in foreign langauges rather than merely speaking English. This might fade away if English continues to spread, due to the constant use of it to guide people from abroad. Another reason is fear of loss of local langauge, and what that means is native people of a certain langauge may not communicate in their mother tongue in the future. A recent publication issued by professor Suhail Almerdas who is specialized in linguistics, stated that 2 out of 5 Lebanese people speak English with each other, despite having the ability to speak their native langauge.

In conclusion, I agree with people who believe that English would further become more advantageous due to easy communication and world trade, surpassing the negativities other parties claim such as eradication of cultures and loss of local languages.