Globally Speaking

The fact that English is spreading around the globe appears to clash with the fact that many individuals and companies are investing substantial resources to translate documents into foreign languages. If English is becoming the global language, does it make sense to translate your text into other languages? If so, how many of the world's languages should you accommodate?

The last third of the twentieth century saw an increasing number of companies translate texts into an ever-expanding number of languages, but this trend may now have peaked. We believe there is a limit to the effectiveness of translation as a global strategy. In the twenty-first century, companies are likely to reap diminishing returns from increased translation efforts.

What's the alternative? Global English. We expect to see corporations and other organizations shifting some of their resources to writing clear English texts aimed at a global audience. This doesn't mean that translation will become a thing of the past, but rather that ever-expanding markets and audiences will force us all to draw the line on translating our materials.

Among other things, Global English means eliminating ambiguity. Crystal-clear exposition is essential because it can serve two purposes: as a basis for smooth, accurate translation and as a final English text that can be read by people around the world who do not receive a translated version in their own language.