Why use English as a common language?

First of all, English has become the lingua franca of Britain.

In the middle of the 5th century, three Germanic tribes crossed the sea from the European continent (Denmark and northern Germany) to the British Isles. They are angles, saxons and Jutes. The Celtic language of the British aborigines was soon replaced by their Germanic language.

The Angles came to the Engel of Schleswig-Holstein in Europe. In old English, they were called "English" and their language was called "English", which was later rewritten as "English". The area where they live is called "England".

English belongs to Indo-European, Germanic and Western languages, and is closely related to German, Frisian and Dutch (Dutch and Flemish).

English has experienced three periods: Old English (1 150 years ago), Middle English (11500 years later) and Modern English (1500 years later). There are four dialects in old English. Middle English became three dialects: northern dialect, central dialect and southern dialect (south of the Thames). London dialect, which lies between the south and the middle, has become a literary language.

1066, normans from continental Europe invaded England and brought French to England. In the next 200 years, French was the language and administrative language of British aristocrats. Henry ascended the throne on 1399. He was the first king whose mother tongue was English after the invasion of Normandy.

From 14 to 15 century, London dialect became the basis of English homophony. At this time, English pronunciation and grammar have changed a lot. Repeated contact and integration of different languages make English's morphological twists and turns basically disappear and become the European language with the simplest grammar.

The English alphabet has undergone three changes: Luna alphabet, Irish Roman alphabet and modern Roman alphabet. Luna letters in old English are mostly straight lines, which are suitable for carving on wood. There was no paper at that time. In 600 AD, the Irish Roman alphabet was adopted. Modern English uses 26 unsigned modern Roman letters.

English spelling has been basically stable by15th century, but it is out of touch with spoken English. 1908 made rules to simplify spelling, but they were not implemented. After World War II, the British Parliament discussed spelling reform and failed to pass it.

The Bible was translated into English for the first time in 1382, into the final edition of the King of England in 16 1 year, and into modern spoken language in 196 1 ~ 1970. The British style has been modernized again and again.

English is developing gradually in Britain. 1362 English is used in the court. 1476 Westminster Abbey set up a printing factory. /kloc-Renaissance in the 6th century. 16 1 1 year, the final edition of the Bible was published in England. 1755, Johnson completed his dictionary, which is a groundbreaking English dictionary and has played a positive role in the development and standardization of English. 1933 became the authoritative Oxford English dictionary. English is the language with the richest vocabulary, because it absorbs foreign words in many ways. The average English dictionary has 500,000 words, and the larger dictionary has 750,000 words.

In the 0/6th century (Ming Dynasty in China), English was only the mother tongue of millions of people living in England. In the late 20th century, there were over 350 million native speakers of English and over 700 million second speakers of English. One in seven people in the world 1 speaks English as a first or second language.

Second, the British Empire and the global expansion of English

Columbus discovered North America in 1492, and later navigators discovered South America and Australia. The total area of these new continents is equivalent to a Eurasian continent. The world suddenly has a Eurasia, and even God will be surprised! 1522, Magellan and his companions successfully sailed around the world and found that the earth was originally a water polo, and the mainland was just a few big islands that surfaced. The land is separated from each other, and the ocean is globally coherent.

These new discoveries encouraged the colonists to explore a global empire. Soon after, Spain and Portugal established two overseas empires in America and Africa. The Pope mediated the dispute between Spain and Portugal. 1494, 370 nautical miles west of Azores and Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a "papal meridian" was drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole. The American and Pacific Islands in the west belong to Spain, and Asia (including China) and Africa in the east belong to Portugal. One and a half worlds!

At that time, Britain lagged behind Spain and Portugal in ocean exploration. Seeing that gold is rolling in from the colonies of the Western Portuguese Empire, it is impossible to establish a colonial empire on your own. Spain hated it so much that it sent an "Armada" to punish it on 1588. Warships 130, sailors 28,000, entered the English Channel in a mighty way. Unexpectedly, Britain, with only a group of small warships, used the tactic of burning ships together, which almost wiped out the invincible fleet. From then on, Britain replaced Spain to control the ocean.

Britain and France fought for hegemony and colonies for 60 years. "Seven Years' War" (1756 ~ 1763), France lost. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763, and France abandoned its colonies in North America and India. "The Napoleonic Wars" (1793 ~ 18 15), France failed again. The French emperor Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena. France's dream of a great empire was shattered.

Britain actively builds a strong navy and strives to build a global empire for the disabled. From the establishment of Jamestown, the first colonial stronghold in North America, in 1607 to the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997, Britain built the largest "sunset British Empire" spanning four continents in Asia and Africa, which lasted for 390 years. If the Armada was defeated in 1588, there would still be 409 years. By 19 14, the land of the British Empire colony would be 33.5 million square kilometers, equivalent to eight times the population of Britain.

Before the discovery of the New World, the great powers in history were all land empires. So was the Alexander Empire, and so was the Mongolian Empire. Land empires are all regional empires, not global empires. The empires of Spain and Portugal are maritime empires, but there are only "hemispheres" and no "globes". The British Empire is a maritime empire and a global empire. Every time Britain establishes a colony, English is the administrative language, and English is taught by the local Christian church to strengthen British rule. The British Empire's colonies around the world were interconnected and carried out unprecedented large-scale international trade, which promoted British production and technology and promoted the industrial revolution.

As the information link of the British Empire, English has been popular in Asia, Africa, the United States and Australia for 400 years with the expansion of the British Empire. The global British Empire spread English around the world.

Three. Independence and the spread of English

The independence of the United States from the British Empire was a major setback for the British Empire. But from the perspective of English expansion, it has not narrowed the scope of communication, but expanded the scope of communication.

Washington led the war of independence, and after eight years of fighting (1755 ~ 1783), the first democratic country independent of colonies was finally built. At that time, the United States was an insignificant country in the world. The first step for the United States to become powerful is to open up the frontier to the western continent.

1783, from the Atlantic coast to the east of the Mississippi River (except the Florida River in the eastern United States), covering an area of about 2.07 million square kilometers.

1803, Louisiana (Central America, purchased from France) increased to 2140,000 square kilometers.

18 19, the area of Florida (the southeastern border area of the United States, cut from Spain) increased by150,000 square kilometers.

1845 Texas (south-central United States, which was merged into the United States after independence from Spain) increased its area 10 10000 square kilometers.

1846 Oregon (northwest of the United States, ceded by Canada to the United States according to the treaty) increased by 740,000 square kilometers.

1848, the area of California (ceded to Mexico in the southwestern United States) increased by 1.37 million square kilometers.

1853 newly added gadsden (southern California, purchased from Mexico), covering an area of 80,000 square kilometers.

1867 increased Alaska (7.2 million USD purchased from Russia, 1959 established the state),1590,000 square kilometers.

1898 increased Hawaii (originally an independent country, later merged into the United States, 1959 established the state), 16000 square kilometers.

The expansion of the western frontier is amazing. Before 1783, the settlement line was east of the Appalachian mountains. 1820, the border crossed the Mississippi river. 1840 years, reaching meridian 100 degrees. 1865, occupied the vast plains. From the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast 1890, there is no longer a western border.

1783, the population of the United States was only 3 million. 1890, the population exceeded the sum of Europe (except Russia). America is an introverted imperialism.

Most of the residents of the early 13 colony came from Britain, and of course English was the same language. Later, the land expanded and more and more residents immigrated from non-English-speaking countries. In order to unify the same language and popularize compulsory education for all, the United States has been paying attention to English teaching for 200 years. This is a basic education that immigrant countries in all directions can't ignore.

English develops with the prosperity of the country in the United States, and gradually produces regional variation, forming "American English". Noah webster (1758 ~ 1843) published the American English Spelling Handbook in 1783, with a sales volume of 1 100 million copies, which had a far-reaching impact on American English teaching. 1840 published the American English Dictionary, which improved the standardization of vocabulary and dictionaries.

Although there are differences between American English and British English, it does not hinder communication and understanding. In fact, American English has enriched British English. This is different from the situation that Chinese dialects are separated from each other. Don't compare American English and British English to Cantonese and Beijing dialect.

To Britain's surprise, after 100 years of efforts, the United States, a country of colonial origin, surpassed the arrogant old motherland in all aspects. In the two world wars, it was this rebellious colony that destroyed the British Empire and saved Britain from peril. The United States has no big colonies except once ruled the Philippines (1898 ~ 1934). The expansion and spread of English overseas mainly depends on political, economic and cultural activities, not land annexation.

Before World War I, French was the international diplomatic language. After World War I, the Washington Conference was held in 1922. The United States politely said to France, "Can we use English at the same time for the meeting in Washington?" France is embarrassed to answer "no". This commitment has changed the international language situation. Since then, English has come from behind!

The United Nations was founded in new york, USA, which inadvertently expanded the influence of English. The United Nations has six working languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic), and 80% of the original documents are in English.

During and after the two world wars, American personnel and materials poured into victorious and defeated countries, bringing American technology and American English. In fact, children all over the world like to learn a few words of Yang Jing English.

America started the film industry. Before the invention of dubbing technology, the whole world was watching American movies and learning American English. Britain despises American films that lack culture, but the boycott is ineffective and can only be accepted. France still opposes American movies today. It is said that 70% of French films come from America.

Television began in America. American TV has penetrated into the hinterland of all countries in the world, and American English and American life have entered thousands of households. Whether computers were invented in Britain or America, at least 90% of the characters on the Internet today are in English. French officials shouted helplessly: "Oppose cyber colonialism!"

Aviation also originated in America. The aviation era needs one aviation language, not two. English has taken the lead. American tourists can be seen at airports all over the world. Britain is an international tourism language.

America is a big country in science and technology, and English has become the language of science and technology. Most new technical terms are based on English. International conferences generally stipulate the use of English and French, but in fact there is often only one English. The spread of English all over the world is mainly driven by the United States.

Four. British Empire and British Occupation of India

After American colonization suffered the setback of American independence, Britain changed its aggressive policy and turned its main force to India.

1498 Portuguese navigator da gama arrived in India via the cape of good hope in Africa, and western European countries began to compete for India. 1600, Britain established the East India Company. 16 12 Britain defeated the Portuguese in India and gained trade rights from the Mughal Empire, the ruler of India. The Mughal royal family (1526 ~ 1858) is a descendant of Mongolia-Turkey and believes in Islam. It invaded India in 1526, and occupied the whole Indian mainland in the late17th century, leaving only a small piece of southern India.

1757, Britain defeated the alliance of India and France in the battle of Plasi, occupied the rich Bangladesh, and used it as a base to expand outward. After the seven-year war (1756 ~ 1763), France abandoned all its colonies in India.

Britain defeated India's malic acid. Marat is a new Indian force. They opposed the Mughal dynasty and tried to build another empire. 1849, Britain defeated the Sikh kingdom and annexed Sindh province (1843) and Punjab province (1849). 1757 ~ 1849, around 92, Britain occupied India.

1857 ~ 1857 There was an anti-British uprising in India (which Britain called a "mercenary mutiny"), but it was overwhelmed by Britain's superior forces. Britain had to carry out political reforms, cancel the East India Company and destroy the Mughal Empire. From 65438 to 0858, the British government ruled India directly. 1876, India was renamed the "Indian Empire", the Governor was renamed the "Deputy King", and the King of England was also the "Emperor" of India.

English gradually expanded with the expansion of the British Empire in India. Britain allocated funds to the East India Company for education. The Board of Education of India has devoted all its funds to English education, teaching "English literature and European knowledge" and cultivating "elites who are Indian by descent and color, British by sentiment, thought and wisdom, and can serve the king of England". English has become the administrative and educational language of India.

/kloc-In the 20th century, Indian intellectuals launched the revolutionary enlightenment movement, advocating the reform of Hinduism, advocating democracy and science, and demanding India's independence. 1885, the revolutionary leader Gandhi founded the Congress Party and launched a non-cooperative movement. Britain's response is "divide and rule". 1906, Britain encouraged the establishment of Muslim League. After World War II, India became independent in 1947 and was divided into two hostile countries, India and Pakistan.

After India's independence, Hindi is the national language, and the official languages are 1 1, as well as Sanskrit (classical Chinese) and Urdu used by Muslims, accounting for 14 of the official languages. English is not the official language, it is the language that connects the whole country.

English has ruled India for a long time, leaving no opportunity for the development of Indian native language. Compared with English, Hindi is not rich in modern vocabulary and inconvenient to write symbols. The northern States agree, while the southern States oppose. The Indian Constitution stipulates that English will continue to be used for 15 years, after which English will be abolished. In fact, it could not be abolished at that time, so it had to be extended indefinitely. Indian Prime Minister Nehru said that the date when Hindi will replace English should be decided by people who don't know Hindi, not those who know Hindi.

Why does the South object to Hindi? Aryans in the north came from abroad 3000 years ago, and Dravidians in the south are local aborigines. Anti-imperialist English in the north was replaced by Hindi. According to the south, English is imperialism and Hindi is imperialism, but it is different from ancient times. However, the south can't think of another language to replace Hindi. Opposing Hindi is objectively equivalent to supporting English.

Once English is abolished, it can't be used for a long time. After World War II, the international language life has changed. With the disintegration of the British Empire, the remaining English has become an international language, used in international politics, trade, science and technology, tourism and so on. In participating in international activities, Indians have an advantage over other Asians in English.

In India, "Indian English" has been formed, which is juxtaposed with "Australian English". Among Indian publications, English books and periodicals account for 42%, with 7,000 kinds a year (1982). Parents who openly oppose English secretly send their children to English schools, hoping to get better treatment after graduation. But learning a foreign language is much more difficult than learning a mother tongue. English has been taught in schools for a long time, and only 5% of the population in India can use English freely. To improve people's culture, we must attach importance to Hindi.

The use of English in India and the United States is very different. English has become the mother tongue of most Americans. There is no strong folk language in America that wants to replace English. American folk languages are scattered and there is no regional immigrant language. English is the only national lingua franca in America. English has not become the mother tongue of most people in India. India has a native Hindi language that hopes to replace English. There are many indigenous languages and scripts in India, and English is the first foreign language in India.

Verb (abbreviation of verb) Conditions for English to become an international lingua franca

As an island country, Britain was able to build the largest empire in human history because of its advanced technology and effective management. Unfortunately, the aborigines and tribes in Asia, Africa, America and Australia are all knowledgeable, opposed to innovation, dispersed their forces and killed each other. The failure of local government is over. If Britain fails, it will definitely start again. Britain can conquer and rule many areas with one hand.

English has become an international lingua franca because of five advantages: large population, large circulation, high culture, many publications and convenient use.

A large population. There are 350 million well-educated people who live and work in English. Countries that use English as their main mother tongue and use the same language all over the country are: Britain, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Asia. After independence, most former British colonies used English as the official language.

Large circulation. 80% of the original UN documents are in English. 90% of the Internet is in English. English is a compulsory course in most schools in the world.

There are 69 colonies in Britain and two in Europe, such as Ireland. There are 15 places in the United States, such as Canada and the United States (13 colony). Oceania 1 1, such as Australia and New Zealand. 22 are in Africa, such as Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. There are 19 places in Asia, such as India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Malaysia. These colonies have been independent or returned, and most of the original English has been preserved. Now there are only 12 small islands left in Britain, such as Bermuda, all of which are English-speaking.

Elegant culture. English is the main language of modern science and technology.

More publications. There are more publications in English than in any other language.

Use the toilet. English is numbered with 26 letters, without symbols.

International homophones are not immutable. They used to change from French to English, and English may be replaced by other languages in the future. But if any language wants to replace English, it must have the same advantages, which cannot be achieved overnight. There is a rule in language: the snowball principle. The snowball is getting bigger and bigger, which is why English has become the international lingua franca. * * * Homology is divided into three levels: 1. There can only be one international homology: 2. Many countries in the region are homologous; 3. A country speaks the same language, and there are many folk languages. International homophones and homophones in many countries or a country are mutually exclusive, but complementary.

The above survey data show that English is a global homonym developed from a native language and spread to the whole world through a series of British colonial rule, so learning English well is very important for future development. In addition, as can be seen from the above data, English is a language as well as Chinese. As long as you understand it correctly, you won't feel disgusted and afraid of it. When learning English, we should pay more attention to the environment, listen more and be more afraid.