English is an official language in more countries than any other language. I am English, and I do fully embrace the history of the language's origins being in England.
What is also so factual regards the world we live in today is that because English is spoken by other influential nations (such as the US and Australia) as a main official language, we Brits don't own the language.
English is also spoken as a second language by many countries. When a major official from the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries are featured in interviews on news programmes, it is very rare that such interviews are not conducted in English. It is also very rare that the official from one of these countries does not speak very fluent English.
Of course, there are other examples of such countries apart from the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, in which English is widely spoken as a strong second language.
The United Kingdom has other native languages in addition to English. I would heartily suggest that Cornish, Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic are also very much a part of the fabric of the land. The same as well to the languages of the various immigrant communities.
Britain has many historical achievements. However, Britain also has the odd thing to be ashamed of as well. For me, the old empire is top of that list, and it is also the principal reason English is the official language in more sovereign states than any other language.
As we don't own the language, the name English needs to be dropped to show the world that we Brits don't believe that we have some kind of superiority complex. I believe a debate should now ensue over creating a more globally appreciative name.
What is also so factual regards the world we live in today is that because English is spoken by other influential nations (such as the US and Australia) as a main official language, we Brits don't own the language.
English is also spoken as a second language by many countries. When a major official from the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries are featured in interviews on news programmes, it is very rare that such interviews are not conducted in English. It is also very rare that the official from one of these countries does not speak very fluent English.
Of course, there are other examples of such countries apart from the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, in which English is widely spoken as a strong second language.
The United Kingdom has other native languages in addition to English. I would heartily suggest that Cornish, Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic are also very much a part of the fabric of the land. The same as well to the languages of the various immigrant communities.
Britain has many historical achievements. However, Britain also has the odd thing to be ashamed of as well. For me, the old empire is top of that list, and it is also the principal reason English is the official language in more sovereign states than any other language.
As we don't own the language, the name English needs to be dropped to show the world that we Brits don't believe that we have some kind of superiority complex. I believe a debate should now ensue over creating a more globally appreciative name.
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