Today, the English language is the common language in the spheres of business, finance, education, media, politics and even sports. The British Council estimates that soon there could be around 2 billion people learning English in schools and colleges and as independent adults. With nearly one-third of the global population trying to learn English at the same time, we wonder if it is time to streamline English. As the United States has already made strides in simplifying spelling, thanks to Noah Webster's efforts some 200 years ago, should the English-speaking world adopt American English?
Languages, and language varieties, act as important indexes of national identity—of individuality, as well as difference. There is a need for engagement with linguistic autonomy—of language and nationhood, of no longer speaking the "same" language—which has characterised the second half of the 20th century. When we discuss any form of language in its own context, we gain a unique insight into the lives and history of culture be it American, British or Canadian.
Consider this: Would it be better if we all spoke the same language?
What are some pro's and con's to this issue?
