An English tax?

English is becoming the dominant language. English is widely used in business and academic papers. In 2011, Belgian philosopher Philippe Van Parijs proposed an tax for English-speaking countries to pay for English learning in other countries. That is such a wild, ambitious, wonderful, interesting idea...

I think I love it!

English is widely used in research. So, it is more difficult for non-English speakers to research things than native-English speakers. That means that someone from the UK or USA can more easily find information than someone from Argentina or China (who doesn't speak English). Researchers from other countries have to spend time and money learning English while the English speakers don't have to. This maintains English as a stronger language and improves the opportunities of people who use English. English dominance is disrespecting and reducing the use of other languages.

Van Parijs proposed English speaking countries (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland) pay a tax to countries where English isn't the native language. This would help to pay for English learning.

This seems impossible. I am sure that there is no way that the UK or USA will pay for people in countries such as Brazil, Nigeria or Thailand to learn English. It would be too expensive and unworkable.

But I understand the problem and sympathise with the idea to help countries. It would benefit the whole world if it were as easy to find information in any language as it is in English... It makes sense for the countries and people in a stronger position to provide for those who have it more difficult.

What do you think?

Philippe Van Parijs's book: https://academic.oup.com/book/12322?login=false