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 10 months 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 10 months ago
Krauerking@lemy.lol 10 months 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 10 months ago
I’m enjoying hearing the stories about African slag infiltrating France and how the olds there are freaking out.
Krauerking@lemy.lol 10 months ago
Can only import so much of a workforce before they start becoming part of the culture.
Duamerthrax@lemmy.world 10 months 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 10 months 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.