Mi punto de vista-
The fact that Spanish is the second language of Google definitely coincides with the fact that Spanish is the second most common language of the Internet, English being number one. Regarding languages in general, statistically, English has fallen out of first place for a while now as the world?s most spoken language however, IMO that has to do with the fact that the Chinese population alone on a global perspective out numbers many countries. English, however, ranks number one by combining the number of native speakers, second language speakers and the fact it is the still the primary language of business around the world. As people around me always say
en cualquier rinc?n hay alguien que habla ingl?s and it?s true. There?s historical information how English evolved as a lingua franca and the primary language of business if anyone is interested. It?s just another dynamic about languages that can?t be overlooked if you are curious or consider yourself a language guru.
Spanish is holding strong territory in second place on the Internet not because of Spain but because of Latin America and its presence in the USA. Spanish in Europe as a language in general is not a powerhouse. Although Spanish covers a large territory in Southern Europe, Spanish is not the core language of the continent. The core languages are English, French and German. However, linguistic analysis of European demographic studies reveal that Spanish will become a core language in Europe in 2025. This will be partially due to EU amalgamation of countries among other factors. (source:
Newropeans Magazine - Home / La Une - Edition 17.04.2008 )
The current strength of Spanish on the internet is tied to economic factors in the USA and the Latin American market. Most of the world?s Spanish speakers are concentrated in that region and although most Latin American countries are still economically poor, the internet is required for business and the need and usage among business people and in general continues to expand. In the USA, Spanish is a language of business in many states. California is a prime example. The size of the California economy is comparable to the economies of several Latin America countries combined. That alone speaks volumes from a linguistic perspective. Language can either enhance business communication or impede it. Using California is an example again in that region Spanish is absolutely imperative for business communication due to its demographics and close location to Mexico. On the other side of the country, Miami, Florida mirrors California. The economy is not as big dollar wise but Spanish as a language is central to business in Miami. Since it?s the financial center of Latin America in the USA, Panama City, Panama's parallel in Latin America, the financial sector, especially private banking and other primary business sectors? principal language of communication is Spanish.
I use Google for Spanish and find that it?s a wonderful resource for searching for a broad array of information in Spanish and can only imagine that this will continue to expand. The article in elcastellano.org confirms this. Once again IMO Spanish is a key language of the future regardless what the statistics reveal about Mandarin. Depending on where one lives using the USA, Latin America and Canada as prime examples, Spanish will be to your advantage long before Mandarin can even make inroads. I think many forget this geographic-economic impact and how it relates to language. That? why French has lost so much ground over the past twenty years and the presence of the language remains concentrated only in certain parts of the globe.
Here?s the article just in case people cannot find it on the website referenced.
El Castellano: Noticias
-LDG.
