Scott L. Montgomery (2013), Does Science need a Global Language? English and the Future of Research. Chicago: Chicago University Press

Abstract

In Does Science Need a Global Language, Montgomery investigates the role of English as the global language of science – with science being understood as natural sciences, medicine, engineering and, in terms of academic disciplines, those that fall under the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) umbrella. Montgomery’s approach is informed and scholarly, yet very accessible, offering a way into what could otherwise be an impenetrable philosophical discourse on whether a unifying language could exist, and whether this would be desirable. The humane tone of this long essay is aided by the plentiful use of anecdotes and examples, taken from Montgomery’s career and wide reading, spanning many continents and professional domains. The book focuses on natural sciences, yet is also highly relevant for social sciences, including Business and Management, as well as for the humanities, since English has also become the language of knowledge and exchange in these domains. In fact, the field of Business and Management has only very recently begun to reflect on the role of English as its dominant language (Janssens & Steyaert, 2013; Tietze, 2004), and the consequences of the monolingual nature of the community of management scholars.