Several factors have contributed and still contribute to English being the dominant language in official spaces, briefly mention TWO of these factors.

1 answer

Two factors that have contributed to English being the dominant language in official spaces are historical colonization and economic influence.

Historical colonization: English gained prominence as a global language due to the colonization efforts of Britain in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Through colonization, English spread to various parts of the world, establishing it as a widely spoken language in regions such as North America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The British Empire's influence played a crucial role in establishing English as a dominant language in administrative, legal, educational, and political systems of many countries even after they gained independence.

Economic influence: Another factor that has contributed to English's dominance is the economic power and influence of English-speaking nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking countries. The English language has become the lingua franca of international business and commerce. Major international organizations, such as the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF, conduct their operations primarily in English, making it the language of diplomacy and global trade. The dominance of English in the global economy has further reinforced the prominence of the language in official spaces.