2023-07-24 07:44:30
Alfredo Piacentini columnist Published on July 24, 2023 at 09:44. Modified on July 24, 2023 at 09:46.
And if the new imperialism, contrary to the warlike approach that Vladimir Putin still tries to practice, was above all that of culture and language? Whether in international forums or the corridors of Geneva banks, English has now become the greatest common denominator, a sort of Esperanto for finance – and many other areas. At the risk for those who master it badly, or with an overly pronounced foreign accent, of losing credibility and the power of the message. How many non-English speakers have thus seen their good arguments swept away, because of awkward expression, faced with clichés or other commonplaces stated in perfect English?
The language even seems to protect against financial vicissitudes. At a time when inflation is finally marking time and most central bankers foresee the end of monetary tightening, the United Kingdom stands apart. In terms of short-term indicators, its situation can even be described as frankly worrying. And yet, he is far from undergoing the pressures (on the spreads of credit or the currency) experienced by so-called “European periphery” countries, such as Italy or Greece. It’s hard not to think that his language, and therefore his privileged link with the United States, serves as a financial shield. “I could not meet a closer friend and a greater ally,” exclaimed Joe Biden recently, on an official visit to London.
Le Temps publishes chronicles, written by members of the editorial staff or outsiders, as well as opinions and forums, offered to personalities or requested by them. These texts reflect the point of view of their authors. They do not represent the position of the media.
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