English As A Global Language

David Crystal, world authority on the English language, has written a timely and informative account of the phenomenon of English as a global language. English is the most successful global language ever, with an estimated 1,500 million speakers. But if its rise continues what will be the fate of less extensively spoken languages? And what would have been the impact if Bill Gates had grown up speaking Chinese? What makes a world language? Why is English the leading candidate? And will it continue to hold that position? This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in language issues, whatever their views on the subject.