Join renowned writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster, David Crystal, as he delves into the ever-evolving nature of English and explores the intriguing question of linguistic ownership. In this episode, Crystal explores the potential future of English as a global lingua franca, the inevitability of language change and the necessity for a global or international standard of English.

“Everybody owns English now. If you have taken the trouble to learn it, and if you are in a country where it has a significant presence, then you have rights in it.”

From South African English to Singaporean English, many varieties of English exist. But how are these variations shaping the evolution of the language? And as technology continues to bring us all closer together, will we eventually see all of these varieties converge?

David Crystal is a writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster, who has written over 100 books on the English language. In this episode he explores the question of ownership - can any one country lay claim to the language anymore? He discusses whether it’s likely English will one day lose its status as a global lingua franca. And he explains the inevitability of language change, and why we should embrace it.

Check out David’s latest book Everyday Shakespeare, Lines for Life. 

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Your host is polyglot Richard Simcott. The Language Podcast is an OG Podcasts production.

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