The Last Lingua Franca by Nicholas Ostler
English Until the Return of Babel
This insightful exploration delves into the history and future of global languages, examining how dominant languages rise and fall over time. It highlights the factors that contribute to a language becoming a lingua franca, such as political power, economic influence, and cultural prestige. The narrative weaves through historical examples, from Latin and Greek to English and Mandarin, while contemplating the possibility of a future where no single language dominates. The book challenges the notion of linguistic inevitability, suggesting that technological advancements and cultural shifts may lead to a more multilingual world.
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- Published
- 2010
- Nationality
- British
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 300-400
- Original Language
- English
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