Only half a century ago, any notion of English as a true global language was but a dim, shadowy,theoretical possibility,surrounded by the political, social and economical uncertainties of that time,and lacking any clear definition or sense of direction.Fifty years on,the situation of English has become peculiar in that perhaps no other language has ever been so important on a global scale. Now,no one would ever argue that English is the common language of our world. Only half a century ago, any notion of English as a true global language was but a dim, shadowy, theoretical possibility, surrounded by the political, social and economical uncertainties of that time, and lacking any clear definition or sense of direction.Fifty years Now, no one would would ever argue that English is the common language of our world.