I would say the English language supremacy started around 300 years ago, before that the preferred language was french
Comment on Why do Americans always presume that everyone speaks English
Krauerking@lemy.lol 2 weeks ago
Because western imperialism from English speaking countries has been around for at least 500 years and it’s given lots of countries time to learn it.
But also I make sure to know how to introduce myself and ask if they speak English in basically every language I interact with as to not start with it. And then I have conversational understanding of about 7 languages.
vaquedoso@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
Krauerking@lemy.lol 2 weeks ago
And Dutch. But let’s be honest it was a revolving door of Western Europe and they all new each other.
Duamerthrax@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
I’m enjoying hearing the stories about African slag infiltrating France and how the olds there are freaking out.
Krauerking@lemy.lol 2 weeks ago
Can only import so much of a workforce before they start becoming part of the culture.
Duamerthrax@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
Historical though, the French had many colonies in Africa. That’s why many parts of Africa already speak French, or at least their own dialectic of it.
Krauerking@lemy.lol 2 weeks ago
I am aware. It’s true for portions of Asia as well and is part of the reason for the Caribbean islands being a mess.