Surely the rise of English as a universal second language is good for business?

ECONOMIST: The economic consequences of the rise of English

The rise of English as a lingua franca will not necessarily do much to diminish arguments over national languages within or between countries, in places like the Balkans or the Baltic states.

ECONOMIST: It turns out to be English

Just as the global rise of English makes life easy for idle Britons or Americans, it breeds complacency among those with English as their second language.

ECONOMIST: The economic consequences of the rise of English

He said the rise in popularity of English and Welsh wine could be down to two factors: the wine performing strongly in international competitions and an increase in people wanting to buy local produce.

BBC: Wine growers predict a good year for English wine

Despite having to pay fees to study in England, there was a rise of 2.7% in the number of people from Scotland who chose to apply to English universities.

BBC: Scots university applications rise 2%

Last year the Survey of English Housing revealed that there had been an 8% rise in the number of households renting from private landlords, to 3.62 million or 16.5% of all households.

BBC: Is the mortgage freeze about to thaw?

He collaborated with English DJ and beat architect Fatboy Slim on 22 songs that look at the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, as well as the tragic journey of her childhood maid, Estrella Cumpos.

NPR: David Byrne: Inspired By A Dictator's Wife, Minus The Shoes