The Effect of Native Language on Internet Usage

Title: The Effect of Native Language on Internet Usage

Research Question: How does a person's native language affect their use of the Internet?

Methodology: The researchers used data from Media Metrix, an organization that collects information about Internet usage. They focused on Canada, as it is bilingual with English and French being the official languages. They analyzed the data to see if there were differences in how English and French speakers used the Internet.

Results: The researchers found that French-speaking Quebecois, who are native French speakers, were not using English web sites less than native English speakers. This suggests that English web sites are not a barrier to Internet use for French speakers.

Implications: These findings suggest that the Internet may promote English as a global language. Even though there are more native Chinese and Spanish speakers than there are native English speakers, the researchers predict that English will remain the dominant language on the Internet. This is because people who do not speak English may still access English web sites, which would give English web sites an advantage.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that the Internet is likely to remain disproportionately in English and will promote English as a global language. This is because people who do not speak English may still access English web sites, which would give English web sites an advantage.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0109009v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0109009v1