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How English became the global language

Everyone talks about how English is the global language, but that means more than hearing occasional American pop songs on your local radio. English has become the global language because it has become a vital part of international society, culture and the economy. Whether you’re aiming to be a professor or a reporter, a doctor or a banker, knowing English can give you what it takes to succeed.

It’s become almost a cliché that speaking English well is a huge help in the business world, and it’s increasingly true as international trade expands every year, bringing new countries into contact. Many of the best MBA programs are taught in English, so speaking it well can put you in a position to get the best training and credentials. With more and more companies being bought or merging with foreign firms, you never know if one day you might need to speak English to your new boss!

If your ambitions lie in science or medicine, you can’t neglect English either. Much of the technical terminology is based on English words, and if you want to learn about the latest developments and discoveries from around the world, you’ll read about them in journals and research reports published in English, no matter whether the scientists who wrote them are from China or Norway. And, of course, with good conversational English, you’ll be able to mix at conferences and seminars.

English also opens doors in the academic world. Of course, if the best program in your field is in England or America, English will give you the opportunity to study with the top scholars. Many Western universities are becoming highly international, with visiting scholars, students and professors from all around the world, and their common working language is English. Attending international conferences and publishing in foreign journals are some of the key steps to success in academia.

Journalists and writers around the world are finding a good command of English to be an increasingly useful skill. Even if you’re writing your articles and doing interviews in your own language, with good English you can get background material from international wire services and papers and magazines from around the world. You can interview foreign businessmen, diplomats and maybe even get sent to cover overseas stories.

If you don’t want to get left behind when it comes to English, it’s easier than ever to hone your skills at one of the many online learning sites. No matter where you are, they’re only a click away! One of the most respected and comprehensive is Englishtown.com, the world’s largest online language school. Native speakers lead online conversation classes 24 hours a day for all levels of students, and you can try the classes for free. So what are you waiting for?