Norway is not in the union, but I still think that we are part of Europe. Same with Switzerland.
EU is not a country, nor a political union at least not fully, more of an economic cooperation.
As for English as a lingua franca - in my opinion English will only become more cemented as the lingua franca in this century. It is by now inevitable, but that doesn't mean that other languages can't be used as well. The idea of a "neutral" language like Esperanto was a nice one but in practice it failed. So we're stuck with idolising americans and brits because of their language.
EGP wrote:For those still discussing the topics because they hope that English dies out in the EU,
would it be possible to say that the UK is outside of Europe? Therefore not a European language anymore? I don't know how, but maybe call it a detached Atlantic state?
Sorry, I'm just spitting out stupid ideas to appease for no reason. I have no UK blood in me at all. I don't think most native or expert users of the language do either.
The lingua Franca will not change soon (as in centuries) unless China possibly Russia pull a no go on US currency or who knows what...
Anyways just thinking out loud too long.