This exercise is linked to the article: Diplomats talk culture, economics
English-Speaking Countries
1.In which countries is English the first official language? How many of them are in Europe, and how many are European Union members?
2.Why do you think that English has become the main “global language”, even though the number of people speaking Spanish, Chinese (and Hindi, Arabic, etc.) as their mother tongue has been growing fast? Do you think English will remain the language of international communication, the internet and one of the EU working languages in the future?
3.What, in your opinion, makes English the most-taught second language? Does English appeal to you personally? Explain why or why not. If you could not learn English, which other foreign language would you learn instead, and why?
4.Can you name some of the differences in spelling, pronunciation, stress, or use between British, US and Australian English?
5.What are the common features and what are the biggest differences within Anglo-Saxon cultures? What is the history of the spread of English into ever-more countries?
This exercise is published as part of Spectator College, a programme created by The Slovak Spectator.
