The English language 1

Front

What is the similarity between Norwegian today and English in the 1500s?

Back

Both languages had about five million speakers and were anonymous languages.

Front

Which two languages were dominant in England in the 1500s?

Back

Latin and French

Front

Why can English be compared to the ugly duckling from the fairy tale?

Back

Because it developed and blossomed greatly from a poor starting position. It got recognition, and respect, just as the swan that the duckling grew up to become.

Front

Why was the British Empire important in spreading English?

Back

Because the British colonists took the English language with them, and used it for administration in the colonies.

Front

What term is used about a common language among people with different first languages?

Back

Lingua franca

Front

Which country has been the most important for the position of the English language since World War Two?

Back

The USA

Front

What is the term for the strong bond or alliance between Britain and the USA?

Back

The Anglo-American alliance

Front

What term is used about the world becoming "smaller" and more interconnected?

Back

Globalisation

Front

Has the English language helped or hindered globalisation?

Back

It has helped greatly because it has made it possible for people to get closer to each other and interact more because of a common language, for example in industry, technology, business and travel.

Front

Which circle of English do countries where English is official language but not the main language belong to? This would typically be former members of the British Empire.

Back

The outer circle