English has developed as a global
language for a range of reasons, many
of them historical, rather than anything
intrinsic in the language itself. The
enormous irregularities in the English
system of spelling, for example, may
often be seen by a newcomer as a
disincentive. Millions, however, are
undeterred. One of the strongest
incentives for learning the language is
the use to which it can immediately be
put, socially, economically and culturally.