lucilastic

I believe the usual language used in Brussels meetings of ministers is English.Why should that continue once Britain leaves the EU?

bobd22

Probably because it is a more universal language? Isn't all air traffic communications in English for the same reason?

Pollyana

maybe because its been the recognised international language for many organisations - air traffic as mentioned being one - since long before the EU or the Common Market came about

lucilastic

Yes but this is not about air traffic & I would imagine French & German are first languages of more EU ministers.It is sad that we expect people to converse with us in English.My niece is a German & French teacher but to get promotion to Head teacher she had to retrain as a maths.teacher.Once we have exited the EU it seems odd.Even Malta has it´s own language apart from a form of English,as does Gibraltar.They could all train in speaking Esperanto maybe!

bobd22

Air traffic control was mentioned as an example nothing more. English is the most widely spoken language within the northern hemisphere without doubt.Spanish is widely spoken yes but other than Spain mainly Central or South American countries. Which language these days is usually used as a countries second language ? English yes sometimes the American version of English but English. Esperanto is not realistic let's face it. Dutch for instance would far prefer to speak English than German. The French of course would be of the belief that French shoukd be the EU language. My guess is they will stick with English. But like all things Brexit we must wait and see.

Longlegpete

As has been said, English is the most widely spoken 2nd language by most, there would be no reason to change it

Loafing Along

EU – DG Translation – Official EU languages

The EU actually has 24 official languages so no reason why they could not drop one

Loafing Along

http://www.debatingeurope.eu/wp-cont...lingualism.jpg

olivefarmer

It will still be English. Just because Brexit means Brexit doesn't mean we will ever leave the EU. Still legal and political wranglings to go yet to correct the mistake that was apparently made. What language do they speak in the hotel california?

bobd22

Yes and look at which language is spoken by the majority in percentage terms, English is way ahead of any other.

Tadd1966

Do you really think the EU uses the English language at the behest and for the benefit of the UK?

British arrogance at its best

Jon-Bxl

Of course you are right the EU have many languages... and would (can't, politically) 'favour' none/any. But I don't agree with some of the implication here.

I live in Brussels. I live in the EU area and can see the huge buildings from my terrace, we are often there in easy walking distance. My BH and I speak French to each other. Been there nearly 2 decades.

In reality, the common language spoken amongst the many nationalities is (more often than not) English. Brexit wont make a hoot of a difference as the English language is the most taught second language.

Countries like Flemish-Belgium and Holland never dub English language films and series (or any other language for that matter).... with them all subtitled . So I found it amazing when I arrived, how many kids already had a working knowledge of the English language by this sort of 'osmosis'.

Holland, Flanders and the Nordic countries speak English excellently for a huge percentage of the population. Percentage-wise more Germans speak English than the French.

English-spoken/American movies, TV shows and Music etc dominate. Many countries speak English, Oz, NZ Canada etc etc. Spanish has a similar global spread. I put the local TV on at home every night - and a load is in English with Flemish subs.

Look at any TV guide - there are so many TV series and films originating from English speaking countries every night. Turn on your radio anywhere in the world and you will hear loads of English language music.

France recently changed a law insisting on x% French songs to favour English music. I cant remember the percentage - but French stations have to play less French music as of a few months ago. Effectively meaning more English songs, I doubt they will reverse that law now we have voted. Note that this law was changed by popular demand of people wanting to hear the English songs (mainly). This is no criticism of French music they have a thriving and strongly proud music tradition and I love many French songs.

Just stating a reality here

It would be the height of stupidity if some spiteful country 'punishes' the UK by stopping English... and unhelpful for their citizens... who would be the most hurt.

The preponderance of English may make some Brits less inclined to learn however, and I agree that other countries generally are more skilled language-wise.

In generations we may see Arabic or Chinese come to dominate.

Brexit would not change this, and I strongly suspect that the EU will have to accept English post Brexit in their literature and communications.. as in reality it is the most spoken second or common language.. and the best way to cross-communicate (for NOT all, but the majority of their employees). That's just a guess on my part, based on the reality of the worldwide situation.

Unless of course they try and push Esperanto!!! IMO one of the many money wasting ideas of the EU !

Jon

Tadd1966

Jon some good comments but as far as I know Esperanto is not mentioned in the EU list of languages - may be wrong but from wiki

Esperanto is not mentioned by the EU Commission as an EU language; the Commission mentions only official, indigenous regional and minority languages as well as languages of immigrants.[46] Following estimates there are approximately 100,000 Europeans sometimes using Esperanto (and several millions having learned Esperanto); the language has several thousand native speakers, some of them of the second or third generation.[47]

Also I have never heard the EU promoting Esperanto so why was it an EU waste of money idea?

Loafing Along

"It would be the height of stupidity if some spiteful country 'punishes' the UK by stopping English... and unhelpful for their citizens... who would be the most hurt."

No one has to punish anyone it will remain on the list as an official EU language because it is spoken in the Republc of Ireland and Malta.

Jon-Bxl

Of course Ireland and Malta will keep English official. I should have realised that. Add that to the reality that it is the most used common and second language means English lives on ........ regardless of Brexit which as I said wont make a hoot of difference.

Thanks
Jon