When Did English Actually Became The World's Official Lingua Franca

Summary

This video explores the evolution of the world's lingua franca, tracing its shift from French to English. French dominated international diplomacy and culture from the 17th century through the mid-20th century, driven by events like the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. However, the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the British Empire helped English gain prominence. Following WWII, American English took over as the dominant global language. The video examines how historical events and geopolitical changes shaped language dominance and invites viewers to consider what language might have taken the place of English in today's world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lingua franca refers to a common language used for communication between people from different countries with different native languages.
• 😀 English has been the world's lingua franca for the longest time, replacing French which held this status from the 17th to the mid-20th century.
• 😀 Before English, French was dominant in international communication, especially in diplomatic and intellectual circles.
• 😀 Cardinal Richelieu created the Académie Française in 1635 to establish French as the official language of culture and diplomacy.
• 😀 By the 18th century, French replaced Latin in international treaties, starting with the Treaty of Rastatt in 1714.
• 😀 The Enlightenment, which originated in France, bolstered the cultural status of the French language, with thinkers like Diderot and Voltaire promoting it.
• 😀 Napoleon's empire helped spread the French language across Europe, along with the Napoleonic Code.
• 😀 Despite French dominance, English began to rise with the British Empire's growth and the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
• 😀 The Industrial Revolution significantly accelerated scientific and technological advancements, leading to English becoming a key language in global business and innovation.
• 😀 The global spread of English was further cemented by the rise of the United States as a superpower after World War II, especially with the use of American English.
• 😀 Even though the Soviet Union posed a potential rival for global influence, the collapse of the USSR in 1991 solidified English's status as the world's lingua franca.

Q & A

What is a lingua franca?

A lingua franca is a common language adopted by people from different countries with different native languages to facilitate international communication.

Which language was the world’s lingua franca before English?

Before English, French was the world’s lingua franca from the 17th century until the mid-20th century.

Why was French considered the lingua franca in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries?

French gained prominence due to the influence of the French Enlightenment thinkers like Diderot and Voltaire, and France's military power, especially during the Napoleonic era.

How did the French language spread in Europe in the 18th century?

French became the dominant language in international treaties, starting with the Treaty of Rastatt in 1714, and took over the courts of Europe by the 18th century.

What role did Napoleon play in spreading the French language?

Napoleon spread the French language across Europe through his empire, particularly with the implementation of the Napoleonic Code, which brought French influence to many territories.

What event led to the decline of French influence in North America?

The decline of French influence in North America occurred after the Seven Years War in 1763, when France lost Canada to Britain.

What was the key factor that helped English become the world’s lingua franca?

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain, played a key role in the rise of English as the global lingua franca, as it was the language of scientific advancements, technology, and global trade.

How did the British Empire contribute to the spread of English?

The British Empire’s vast global reach, with colonies in India, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, helped spread the English language across the world.

How did World War II affect the global status of the English language?

After World War II, while Britain was weakened, the United States, speaking American English, emerged as a global superpower and helped solidify English as the dominant global language.

What happened to Russian language aspirations as a global lingua franca after the Cold War?

Despite the Soviet Union's competition with English during the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a swift dominance of English, particularly American English, globally.

What are some potential alternatives to English as a global lingua franca?

While no language currently seems close to replacing English, one might consider languages like Mandarin Chinese or Spanish as potential alternatives, but English remains dominant due to economic, political, and cultural influences.