English is widely used globally for communication, but changing global demographics over several decades has resulted in its decline. Although English may not be the leading global language, based on the number of native speakers who use the language, it will continue to play an important role in a new world of multilingualism, both at present and in the future.
Several factors have contributed to the widespread use of the English language, such as colonisation, economics, information exchange, travel, and popular culture. However, changing global demographics, emergence of new forms of languages, and the rise in multilingualism have led to the decline of English as a global language.
During the 20th century, the world’s population rose rapidly, but the major increase took place in less developed countries. Based on the number of native speakers, derived from United Nations population projections and estimates of linguistic demography of each country, this trend is transforming the global positioning of languages.
Nearly 9% of the global population grew up speaking English as their first language in the mid-20th century, but that proportion is expected to decline towards approximately 5% in 2050.
In contrast, in terms of native speakers, Chinese is the world’s largest language, and its position will remain unchallenged. The next four major languages, which are English, Spanish, Hindu/Urdu, and Arabic, are gradually converging, and are likely to be equally ranked by 2050.
The rise in China’s global economic influence has resulted in greater interest in the study of Mandarin globally, and this has provided opportunities and prosperity to people who study the language. China has been building its influence globally through various ways, such as foreign aid across Africa, investment in South America, the Belt and Road initiative, and Chinese education through the Confucius Institutes.
In conclusion, multilingualism is the way of the future, where proficiency in native languages are important for national interest and development, while proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese will become increasingly important for career opportunities and appreciation of different global perspectives.
This paper was first presented by Mak Academy founding principal Mak Kum Shi at Open University Malaysia’s Cluster of Education & Social Sciences (CESS) Colloquium 2019 on Oct 12, 2019.