English is a gateway to the world and no one should be deprived of the opportunities that arise for those with a strong command of the English language. This does not mean that local languages are dispensable, however. They have an important role to play in supporting education, including English language education. People who insist on prioritising local languages are often those who can speak fluent English themselves. Advocates of minority languages need to be fluent in English in order to research their field and support the cause at international conferences. In doing so, however, they are also demonstrating why English is so important. Learning English allows people to gain knowledge, communicate with society, further themselves as individuals and have a global impact. It is unfair to willingly dispossess people of this ability in order to preserve tradition. But this does not mean local languages can be forgotten or downplayed. People are more likely to succeed – ...