What Is English and Why Is It Important in Today’s World?

English is a language used for communication—spoken, written, and even digital. It is one of the most widely used languages in the world and plays a crucial role in our daily lives, especially in today's globalized world.

What is English?

English is a West Germanic language that developed in England and has evolved over centuries. Today, it's the global lingua franca, meaning it’s a common language for people from different native languages to communicate.

Uses of English in Daily Life

1. Communication
• Talking with people from different backgrounds.
• Sending texts, emails, or messages.
• Making phone or video calls.
2. Education
• Many schools and universities teach in English.
• Textbooks, online courses, and academic research are often in English.
3. Work & Business
• Used in international business meetings, reports, and presentations.
• Job interviews and resumes are often expected in English, especially in multinational companies.
4. Technology
• Most software, apps, websites, and programming languages use English.
• Instructions, error messages, and settings are often in English.
5. Entertainment
• Movies, music, video games, and books are often produced in or translated to English.
• Streaming platforms (like Netflix or YouTube) feature English content widely.
6. Travel
• Used at airports, hotels, and tourist places around the world.
• Helpful for asking directions or understanding signs in foreign countries.
7. Social Media & Internet
• A major portion of global content on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and websites is in English.
• Helps connect with people worldwide.

Why Is It Important?

• It opens doors to more opportunities in education, career, and travel.
• Helps build global connections.
• Acts as a bridge language in multilingual countries or situations.

Merits of English

1. Global Communication

• English is spoken in over 100 countries.
• It's the common language used in international travel, diplomacy, and conferences.

2. Access to Knowledge

• Most books, scientific papers, and online content are in English.
• Top universities and online learning platforms (like Coursera, Khan Academy) often use English.

3. Career Opportunities

• Many companies prefer or require English proficiency.
• Helps in getting jobs in multinational companies, call centers, and government sectors.

4. Internet and Technology

• A majority of online content is in English.
• Coding and computer languages use English words and syntax.

5. Education

• English-medium schools and universities offer wider access to global education standards.
• English is often a second language in schools around the world.

6. Cultural Access

• English lets you enjoy movies, music, books, and news from around the world.
• Hollywood, for example, is a major global entertainment hub using English.

Demerits of English

1. Language Dominance

• English can overshadow local or native languages, causing them to decline.
• May lead to cultural erosion when people value English over their own languages.

2. Difficult to Learn for Some

• Irregular spelling, grammar rules, and pronunciation can be confusing.
• Words that sound the same but are spelled differently (e.g., “their” vs. “there”).

3. Social Inequality

• In some countries, fluent English speakers are treated as more educated or superior.
• Non-speakers may feel excluded or looked down upon.

4. Overdependence

• People may neglect their native language or lose fluency in it over time.
• Can lead to identity confusion, especially among children.

5. Economic Barriers

• Learning English can be expensive in some areas—tuition, books, courses, etc.
• Not everyone has equal access to learning resources.

Tips to Improve Your English

1. Practice Speaking Daily

• Talk to friends, family, or even yourself in English.
• Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk, Tandem, or Speaky to talk with native speakers.

2. Read in English

• Start with simple books, comics, or children's stories.
• Gradually move on to newspapers (like The Guardian) or blogs.

3. Listen to English

• Watch English movies or shows with subtitles.
• Listen to English podcasts or YouTube channels (try "BBC Learning English").

4. Write Regularly

• Keep a daily journal in English.
• Write short stories, social media captions, or comments on English videos.

5. Use Language Learning Apps

• Try Duolingo, Memrise, Busuu, or BBC Learning English.
• These make learning fun and track your progress.

Using English Alongside Your Native Language

1. Practice Code-Switching

• Use English when needed but switch back to your native language when more appropriate (e.g., at home or in cultural settings).
• Helps you stay fluent in both.

2. Translate for Understanding

• When you learn a new English word, translate it into your native language to better understand and remember it.
• Example: Environment → पर्यावरण (Hindi) → you learn both.

3. Teach or Explain in Both Languages

• Try teaching English concepts to someone in your native language—it helps reinforce your understanding.
• Or explain your native culture in English to friends or online—it improves vocabulary and fluency.

4. Keep Both Languages Active

• Don’t abandon your native language.
• Read, write, and speak in both languages regularly to stay fluent and balanced.

Final Advice

The goal isn’t to replace your native language, but to expand your ability to communicate globally. English is a tool—use it with confidence, and never be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how learning happens!

Would you like a personalized plan to improve your English based on your current level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?

Conclusion

English is a powerful tool in today’s world, especially for education, jobs, and global connection, but it also has drawbacks like contributing to language loss and inequality. The best approach is to learn English while also preserving and valuing your native language and culture.