In Geopolitics of Information, Anthony Smith refers it as 'Cultural Imperialism' Like imperialism which prevailed in western Europe in the late 19th century out of economic, political and philosophical consequences, its powerful ideology has influenced the world in the 19th and 20th centuries. This remains true even in cases where the native language is used. Although the term 'imperialism'is often used in international propaganda or to denounce an opponent's foreign policy today and no one country will claim their foreign policy as imperialism, it seems that English 'cultural imperialism' has prevailed in today's world. Like economic imperialism, it has undermined the cultures, societies, and political organizations of native peoples by creating linguistic power structures among them. People in smaller countries, however, are necessitated to learn English in order to participate in a global economy and culture, while risking the minimization and devaluation of pride and dignity in exchange.
Communication is a two way system.
No one country will be benefited by taking advantage by the linguistic superiority. Although many native English speaking people may think they are enjoying the lopsided preeminence of their language, it does not necessarily work to their advantage. According to Bergentoft , among young people in European Union countries 70 percent between ages 18 and 24 speak English. American's incompetence of understanding foreign language also works against them in the areas of foreign trade and diplomacy. Richardson reports that S.I. Hayakawa once pointed out that Japan had 10,000 English-speaking sales representatives in New York City alone, while America had barely 1,000 salespeople in all of Japan, hardly any of whom could speak nor read Japanese.