English as an academic lingua franca
Pamela Faber
2010
Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses
In today's world, the European Union is searching for a delicate balance between linguistic integration and diversity. Thanks to international knowledge transmission and exchange as well as co-operation and mobility beyond national boundaries, English has now become the preferred option for linguistic unity. It is a language that allows native speakers of different languages to communicate. However, the use of English as a lingua franca should not (and does not) threaten plurilingualism in
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... e, as reflected in the many national languages in Europe and the relatively peaceful coexistence of national and minority languages in many European countries. In fact, English, as used for international communication purposes, complements and supplements national languages. This is just one of many cases in which communication breakdowns have occurred because the discourse participants were not using a common system to transmit their message. Without a doubt, both in numbers and language, communication would be infinitely easier if everyone were able to use the same code, especially in certain contexts where misunderstandings are very costly in terms of money and/or time. Even without the risk of a catastrophe, a common language or lingua franca is advantageous because it is a powerful vehicle for knowledge transfer, which greatly facilitates cross-fertilization in all knowledge areas. In the European university system, an academic lingua franca for international communication and understanding is necessary. Thanks to international knowledge transmission and exchange as well as co-operation and mobility beyond national boundaries, English is well on its way to becoming the preferred option for linguistic unity. It is a language that allows speakers to communicate when their primary languages do not coincide. Furthermore, the use of English as a common language or lingua franca should not (and does not) threaten plurilingualism in Europe, as reflected in the many national languages in the European Union and the relatively peaceful coexistence of national and minority languages in the same country. In fact, English, as used for international communication purposes, complements and supplements national languages (House, 2003) . Language for identification vs. Language for communication Now, in the 21st century, the world is shrinking and is becoming an increasingly smaller place. In today's society, people travel more often than before, and often find themselves immersed in contexts in which they need to communicate with others who do not speak their same language. This means that both speakers are obliged to seek a third language, which is different from the primary language of either party. This third language, rather than a cultural artefact, is merely a convenient tool, with no national or cultural implications for the speakers.
doi:10.14198/raei.2010.23.02
fatcat:bxlomakdzjaxzcdiw3dxdug54q