English, the Global Language: Its Strength, Status, and Future

Abstract

English is believed to have reached a position of a global language, and it is on its way to becoming a dominant language. Achieving such a status is a product of several factors, including economy, politics, culture, technology, military power, etc. English has seen different periodical developments throughout its history. Nowadays, millions of people use English around the world; Kachru (1992) categorized the geographical areas where English is used into three different circles, the Inner Circle, the Outer Circle, and the Expanding Circle. This descriptive, cross-cultural study explores perceptions of three groups of respondents from three countries representing Kachru’s three circles. The 27 participants from America, India and Morocco responded to a survey about the status, role and future of English in their countries. After analyzing the survey, the results indicated that most respondents believe that English has dominated the world due to several elements. The main finding here is that 25/27 respondents claim that English will maintain its global status throughout the 21st century .