OT- Spelling is out.

Erax · #1 September 17th, 2003, 02:17 PM

According to Arthur C. Clarke, English would become the international language because the worldwide communications satellite network was being set up by English-speaking countries.

This was in an article called "Everybody in Instant Touch" which was published in 1964 (shortly before English did in fact become the international language).

Although I believe that the fact that it's a Germanic/Latin hybrid with very simple grammar certainly helps.

Wardad · #2 September 17th, 2003, 11:04 PM

A Swiss guy, looking for directions, pulls up at a bus stop where two Americans are waiting.
"Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?" he asks.

The two Americans just stare at him.

"Excusez-moi, parlez vous Francais?" he tries.

The two continue to stare.

"Parlare Italiano?" No response.
"Hablan ustedes Espanol?" Still nothing.
The Swiss guy drives off, extremely disgusted.

The first American turns to the second and says,
"Y'know, maybe we should learn a foreign language."

"Why?" says the other.
"That guy knew four Languages, and it didn't do him any good."