Engelsksdominans

Engelsksdominans describes the global predominance of the English language in international communication, higher education, science, media, business and technology. It encompasses both native use and widespread second-language use, functioning as a common reference for participants from many linguistic backgrounds.

The roots lie in historical processes from the British Empire and the later United States’ economic and cultural influence. Globalization, mass media, higher education, and the growth of the internet have reinforced English as a lingua franca in science, technology, politics, and commerce.

The effects include easier access to information and collaboration for those who know English, but also risks of marginalizing non-English speakers and reducing linguistic diversity. Education policy in many countries prioritizes English learning, which can shape career opportunities and cultural exposure.

In science and academia, English dominates publishing and conferences; on the internet, a sizable share of content is in English. While hard to quantify precisely, English is commonly used as a second language by hundreds of millions and as the primary language for many global platforms.

Responses include promoting multilingual education, funding for translation and localization, and policies that support local languages alongside English. Critics argue for careful balancing of global communication benefits with the preservation of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.