The text shows to what degree English is now the dominant language of science. It gives a world-wide overview of various countries on all continents aiming beyond description at explanation and even prediction of future developments. What are the effects of the dominance of English on languages and speakers? Are other languages still being modernized under these conditions? Are their speakers trapped at a permanent disadvantage, or do the advantages of a world-wide lingua franca outweigh disadvantages for everyone? The book provides background information for language planning and language politics.