Author Robert McCrum Explains How English Has Taken Root Worldwide (Jul. 23, 2010)

The transcript discusses the evolution of the English language into 'Globish', a simplified global form of English. Robert Mccrum argues that Globish is a value-free language, decoupled from its colonial past, and is now a facilitator for global communication. The role of technology in spreading English is highlighted, alongside comparisons with other languages like Latin. The simplicity and accessibility of English are emphasized, with references to President Obama's speeches. The end of the Cold War and the rise of global capitalism are noted as factors in the spread of English.

What is 'Globish' as described in the first section?

• A historical form of English

• A language unrelated to English

• A simplified, value-free form of English

• A new dialect of English

How does technology contribute to the spread of English globally?

• By replacing English with other languages

• By facilitating the global reach of English

• By supporting the preservation of small languages

• By making English the only language available online

What historical language is English compared to in terms of global influence?

• Latin

• Arabic

• Sanskrit

• Greek

Why is English considered easier to learn than some other languages?

• It has a small vocabulary

• It has fewer grammar rules

• It does not require learning characters

• It is similar to many other languages

What is the significance of a 1500-word vocabulary in 'Globish'?

• It is the vocabulary size of Shakespeare

• It is a simplified version of English for global use

• It is the maximum vocabulary size for English

• It is the vocabulary size of the King James Bible

What factors contributed to the decoupling of English from political connotations?

• The end of the Cold War and economic boom

• The decline of the British Empire

• The invention of the internet

• The rise of new political ideologies

How does the new generation perceive the English language?

• As a language of the past

• As a neutral tool for communication

• As a tool of oppression

• As a difficult language to learn