OT: Brexit

[RN7]

Anyone have any thoughts about the upcoming Brexit referendum?

If the UK votes yes then Britain will leave the European Union. This is a bit more significant than the recent Scottish Independence referendum as the entire EU could collapse if one of its major members votes to leave it. The Yes campaign seems to have taken a slight lead in the polls which will scare Cameron, Brussels and all the European stock markets.

I don't know if Britain is big enough to go it alone anymore and the implication is that it will loose its political and economic status in Europe if it leaves, but Norway and Switzerland seem to be doing quite well and there not EU members. The main issues seems to be EU interference in British sovereignty and laws, and the problem of immigration but there are other issues as well. Suppose Britain could just revert to its traditions of trading with the world outside Europe and concentrate on political links with the Commonwealth and North America which it has always been more comfortable doing.

[kato13]

My biggest interest in Brexit would be the potential continued use of English as the dominant language within the EU. Given English is the most popular second language in almost all EU countries (exceptions being Czech, The Baltic States and Luxembourg IIRC), I can see the dominance continuing. It would be odd though as only Ireland would have it as its primary language.

[RN7]

Originally Posted by kato13

My biggest interest in Brexit would be the potential continued use of English as the dominant language within the EU. Given English is the most popular second language in almost all EU countries (exceptions being Czech, The Baltic States and Luxembourg IIRC), I can see the dominance continuing. It would be odd though as only Ireland would have it as its primary language.

Most people will still want to learn English as a second language whether Britain is in the EU or not, as the importance of English in the world will remain.

[kato13]

Agreed, but I can see the French insisting that all documents start in French (Rather than English) before being translated into the 24 "Official" languages.

[RN7]

Originally Posted by kato13

Agreed, but I can see the French insisting that all documents start in French (Rather than English) before being translated into the 24 "Official" languages.

So could I but I think the Germans might object to that as there are more people who speak German in the EU and Europe than French.

[unkated]

Originally Posted by RN7

So could I but I think the Germans might object to that as there are more people who speak German in the EU and Europe than French.

"But German is such a brutal language" - Amadeus



Uncle Ted