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A

The study shows the relationship between language (PLI score) and competitiveness, as measured by the Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index. Four of the 10 most competitive economics have English as an official language. The remaining six have high shares of English speakers and/or a high proficiency in English, with the expectation of Japan.

The research lists the 10 most powerful languages according to the PLI. English is by far the most powerful language. It is the dominant language of three G7 nations (USA, UK, and Canada), and British legacy has given it a global footprint. It is the world’s lingua franca. Mandarin, which ranks second, is only half as potent. French comes in at third, thanks to its prestige standing in international diplomacy. Rounding out the top five are Spanish and Arabic.

The top six languages — even if the diplomacy opportunity is ignored — also happen to be the official languages of the United Nations. The remaining four in the top 10 include the two other BRIC languages (Portuguese and Hindi), and the tongues of two economic heavyweight (Germany and Japan).

Globalization made English a global phenomenon. Translation technologies will indeed be a breakthrough, much the way that GPS maps have obviate road atlases. But could technology (i.e. real-time translation devices) obviate the need to learn languages and remove language teaching? However, language is much more than just a collection of words. It is interviewed with culture and is an emotional aspect of human character.

Moreover, studies have shown that multilinguals solve problems more critically. In short, translation devices will never fully replace the human voice and the benefits of learning languages. Just as Google has not made all humans researchers, neither will translation devices, per se, make us more empathetic or knowledgeable of other cultures.

This leads to an interesting question: which languages will be the most powerful in 2050? While 2050 seems far off, it’s really not. Looking around the world today, we can identify trends that can help us estimate the top languages of the future. Whether or not one wants to believe it, English is the universal language. Although English will still be the dominant language in 2050, Mandarin (or another language) one day might challenge its supremacy.

1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the study?

A. English is the official language in the 4 competitive economics.

B. Japan is not included in the most competitive economics.

C. There is a link between language and economic competitiveness.

D. The remaining six have high shares of English speakers.

2. Which of the following is not Top 5 most powerful languages according to the PLI?

A. Chinese. B. Russian. C. Spanish. D. Arabic.

3. What is the possible meaning of the word “obviate” in Chinese?

A. 明显 B. 表明 C. 遗忘 D. 消除

4. What can we learn about translation devices?

A. Translation devices will never fully replace language learning.

B. Translation devices will solve problems more critically.

C. Translation devices will make us more knowledgeable of other cultures.

D. Translation devices will fully replace the human.

5. Which of the following is not mentioned in the passage?

A. French has its prestige standing in international diplomacy.

B. German is a language of economic heavyweight.

C. Monolinguals solve problems more successfully.

D. Mandarin one day might be the most powerful language.

B

There are many ways of measuring and categorizing poverty — and no simple, unified definition.

The United Nations observes that, worldwide, “frequently, poverty is defined in either relative or absolute terms. Absolute poverty measures poverty in relation to the amount of money necessary to meet basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Relative poverty defines poverty in relation to the economic status of other members of the society: people are poor if they fall below prevailing standards of living in a societal context.”