Richard E. McDorman, Ed.S., CT, Chief Academic OfficerA Conversation about English and AI
I recently spoke with a former colleague from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation about the future of English language education in the age of artificial intelligence. He expressed a concern that is becoming increasingly common: if AI can translate languages instantly and more or less accurately, will English-medium instruction eventually become obsolete? I told him that I believe the opposite is more likely. Rather than diminishing the role of English as the world’s leading lingua franca, AI will strengthen it.
Technology and Linguae Francae: A Long History
The relationship between technological innovation and linguae francae is far from new. In fact, it can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia. The Sumerians developed one of the world’s earliest writing systems, creating a durable technology for written communication that later peoples would adapt to their own languages. Akkadian speakers including the ancient Babylonians adapted cuneiform writing to their own language and expanded its use across government, commerce, diplomacy and international communication.
The larger pattern remains important in the twenty-first century: new communication technologies do not inevitably eliminate the need for shared languages. Often, they increase their usefulness. The rise of English followed a similar process but on a much larger scale. The expansion of the British Empire spread English around the world through government, education, commerce and trade. In the twentieth century, the economic, scientific, technological, cultural and political prominence of the United States amplified that process. By the twenty-first century, English had become far more than the language of its traditional national communities. It has risen to global prominence as a language routinely used between people who speak entirely different native languages.
English in the Digital Age
The internet has further accelerated this development. Although thousands of languages are spoken around the world, English accounts for roughly half of the content available on the internet. Its role is particularly striking in written communication. English is deeply embedded in international business, higher education, science, technology, professional communication and the global exchange of information. This creates a powerful network effect. The more people who learn English, the more useful English becomes to everyone else. Its international importance is therefore no longer dependent solely on the influence of Britain or the United States. English has acquired a global utility of its own.
Why AI is Likely to Strengthen English
Artificial intelligence is developing within an already English-dominant digital environment.
AI can certainly make communication across languages easier. Translation tools will continue to improve, and people will increasingly use AI to communicate with others whose languages they do not speak, but easier translation does not reduce the value of knowing English. In many contexts, direct access to English remains faster, richer and more flexible than mediated access through translation. English also occupies a central position in AI interfaces, technical documentation, professional knowledge, digital content and interaction with AI systems themselves. Perhaps most importantly, AI is dramatically increasing the amount of written language people produce and consume. That makes the ability to understand, evaluate, write and communicate with precision in English more—not less—important.
The Continuing Importance of English Instruction
For hundreds of millions of people throughout the world, English proficiency remains an important pathway to economic and educational opportunity. English opens doors to international employment, higher education, professional networks, technology, commerce and vast amounts of information. While AI may lower some communication barriers, it cannot erase the distinction between basic communication and original, sophisticated language use. People who can read complex English texts, express ideas precisely, recognize nuance and communicate persuasively will continue to possess advantages that automated translation cannot provide.
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In the age of AI, English proficiency and rigorous English instruction remain among the world’s most powerful tools for educational, professional and economic advancement.
Why Writing Still Matters
This is especially true of writing. Strong English writing skills are rarely developed through exposure alone. Instead, they require systematic instruction focusing on grammatical control; precision in vocabulary; effective organization, register and tone; and rhetorical command. AI can assist with writing, but using AI well requires the ability to judge the quality of what it produces.
At Language On, this is one reason we continue to place great importance on high-quality English instruction, including the development of strong reading and writing skills. Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly change how we communicate. But if history is any guide, new communication technologies will expand rather than diminish the importance of a shared international language. In the age of AI, English proficiency and rigorous English instruction remain among the world’s most powerful tools for educational, professional and economic advancement.
