On the primacy of the English language in the hard sciences

That English language competence is a significant aspect of an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career.

I disagree with the statement.

I would like to distinguish the language as a tool and the language as an expression. Two of them can be the same language. The difference is whether speaking it is an intentional choice or a natural inclination.

English language is indeed a useful tool in the engineering aspect. Majority of computer programs are written in English. Many thesis, papers are published in English or translated to English. Being competent in English is indubitably an advantage for engineering students to get updated with the latest technology. However, language as a tool is supposed to service the world which has a majority of non-English speakers. For example there will be non-English internet domain names in future so that people do not have to learn English in order to use the internet. Furthermore, language is not the sole ingredient for success. Everyone has different strength and weakness. Without English competency, one could be strong in other areas, or other languages. Therefore being incompetent in English will not stop them being successful in life and career.

‘You can speak to God in any language.’ No matter who has invented languages, the diversity should be preserved, instead of conforming to one language. English is the lingua franca by force, not choice and the force is diminishing nowadays, as the world is more aware of language preservation. Furthermore, the population of speakers, the widespread of usage should not determine one’s inclination of language. That’s why people find it fake when someone speaks ‘Queen’s English’. Eloquence, fluency may be advantageous especially for businessmen and lawyers. In my opinion, being genuine is more important for a complete person. For engineering students, it is especially important when we be are truthful to our work, instead of over-representing it in fanciful words.

To sum up English as a tool is useful but not almighty. The command of language is one of the aspects of an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career, and the language is not necessarily English.