English as a means of international communication

English is the national language in such countries as Britain, the United States of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is the mother tongue of nearly three hundred million people. Many people speak English in Japan, China, India and African countries. But many more use it as an international means of communication, because English has become a truly international language.

Science, trade, sport and international relations of various kinds have given the English language the status of one of the world’s most important languages. Many scientific and technical journals are written in English although they are not necessarily published in England or other English-speaking countries. At numerous international meetings and conferences, English is the main language. The Olympic Games and other multinational sports events cannot do without it.

The role English plays today is the result of historical processes. The English language, in the course of its historical development, has met with so many influences from abroad that its lexical and grammatical structure has come to reflect in many ways its international use.

English is a language which is indeed able to cope with the most diverse tasks of international communication.

Active Words and Word Combinations:

national language – національна мова

mother tongue – рідна мова

an international means of communication – засіб міжнародного спілкування

science - наука

international relations – міжнародні відносини

English-speaking countries – англомовні країни

many influences – багато впливів

to cope – справлятися з чимось

diverse tasks – різноманітні завдання

to reflect - відображати