The Role of English Language and Literature in Global Trade

Abstract

This study examines the intricate relationship between the English language, English literature, and global trade throughout history. English has emerged as the dominant lingua franca in international commerce, facilitating communication across diverse cultural and linguistic boundaries. The research traces the historical development of English as a language of trade, from colonial expansion through the Industrial Revolution to contemporary globalisation. English literature has both reflected and critiqued economic structures, documenting the social consequences of trade and commercial expansion. The study explores how colonial, Victorian, and postcolonial literatures engage with themes of economic power, exploitation, and cultural exchange. While English proficiency enhances economic mobility and market participation, this linguistic dominance raises concerns about cultural homogenization and the marginalisation of indigenous languages. The findings reveal that English language and literature together form a vital framework for understanding globalisation, power dynamics, and the ethical dimensions of international trade in both historical and modern contexts.