--- title: Is Technology Killing English as a Lingua-Franca? description: How is technology affecting the widespread nature of english as a lingua-franca? And how is it impacting the need for translators and people who speak multiple languages? image: https://labs.lilt.com/hubfs/pexels-photo-1036936%20(1).jpeg --- - [Lilt.com](https://lilt.com/) - [Resources](https://lilt.com/resources) - [Lilt.com](https://lilt.com/) - [Resources](https://lilt.com/resources) ## Is Technology Killing English as a Lingua-Franca? ![](https://labs.lilt.com/hubfs/HM%20copy-modified.png) by Han Mai August, 15, 2018 1 Minute Read - - - The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools have professionals everywhere nervy about the future utility of their skill set. And when you take a peek at some of the exciting advances in these fields, it’s hard not to ask yourself “will I be replaced by a robot?” There are plenty of other blogs you can read if you’re interested in the coming regime of automaton overlords, but here, we’re more interested in the future of language. Specifically, are new language technologies phasing out the likelihood of people learning languages beyond their mother tongue? And will advances in these technologies cut out the need to learn English as a “lingua-franca”, or go-between language between two individuals of differing native languages? In short. no. These topics were explored at length in BBC’s [four-part series](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csxgb7), “From Language to Algorithm”. Rather than spell a doomsday sentence for translators and polyglots, language experts paint an optimistic future of more access to the knowledge economy, empowerment and greater efficiency for translators, and widespread access to crucial information (like purchasing a railway ticket electronically), even amongst illiterate populations. But how far are we really from “babel fish” technology? Does communicating in English, even without learning it, breakdown the barrier to entering many jobs? And has English technology enabled communication in other languages, without necessarily replacing itself? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to find out. Stream part 1 of the series below. [View All Posts](https://labs.lilt.com) ### [![](https://labs.lilt.com/hubfs/People%20Spotlights-%20Litonians%2026.png) April, 21, 2022 Translator Community Spotlight: Meet Vítor Gonçalves 4 Minute Read ![](https://labs.lilt.com/hubfs/elly.jpeg) Here at Lilt, we’re focused on providing the highest quality translations possible, and that requires a large professional network of translators. We've spent years building a community of experienced and quality translators, and we're excited to showcase the incredible individuals helping to lead the charge in building successful global experiences. Much like our Liltonian Spotlight series, we're sharing the backgrounds of the talented professionals in our community in our newest series, the Translator Spotlight Series. Read More](https://labs.lilt.com/employee-spotlight-meet-v%C3%ADtor-gon%C3%A7alves?hsLang=en) ### [![amador-loureiro-779-unsplash-1](https://labs.lilt.com/hubfs/amador-loureiro-779-unsplash-1.jpg) February, 4, 2019 Top 10 localization acronyms, decrypted 1 Minute Read ![](https://labs.lilt.com/hubfs/adrienne.jpeg) If you're beginning to research localization, you'll soon discover it's a highly specialized industry, complete with its own vernacular. That's not to say it isn't accessible or welcoming. One goal of translation, after all, is to break down barriers of communication - not create them. Read More](https://labs.lilt.com/top-10-localization-acronym-blog-post?hsLang=en) - [System Status](https://status.lilt.com/) - [Support Terms](https://lilt.com/terms) - [Privacy](https://lilt.com/privacy) - - - - [Careers](https://lilt.com/careers)  2026 Lilt, Inc.