While visiting Boston several days ago, I came across a very interesting report in The Boston Globe. It revolved around the growing use of English in Japan. From billboards to television shows and from music lyrics to health clubs, English is working its way into the language and culture of the Japanese. One prominent Japanese newspaper columnist has even suggested that English become the second official language of the country.

It is interesting to look into the background of this phenomenon. Right after World War II, an American trained minister by the name of Toru Matsamoto started to teach English on the radio. His influence on the growth of English cannot be underestimated. Adults and children were greatly influenced by his words.

Next, as English became the centerpiece of commerce in the expanding global economy, pressure to learn English increased -- even at the grade school level. Many street signs in Japan are also stated in English. Young people have grown up with song lyrics, mostly in English.

Japan is not alone. As my wife and I have traveled overseas, we could not help but notice the number of billboards in the English language. About the only country not buying into the universal language is France. I guess that would be too much for the culturally correct French to swallow.

Contrast the growing voluntary use of English with narrow minds in this country bent on us becoming a multilingual divided people. What motivates them? The English language is the single greatest unifier in a country with many cultures and diversified citizens. Every time I hear a debate over whether every school child should become proficient in English, I shake my head in disbelief. "English As a Second Language" has the emphasis all wrong. Help for immigrants in learning our language is essential. Wouldn't it be better to call the courses "English as The First Language." I certainly do.

If you doubt the importance of English in world commerce, start with airports all over the globe. Everyone of them directs air traffic in English and not in the national language where the facility is located. And if you are still in doubt, go on the internet. While multiple languages can be found, most Internet usage, without regard to national borders, is in English.

These thoughts are not designed to be negative toward Americans knowing more than one language. Speaking another language can be a distinct advantage in business and can make travel easier, more rewarding and fun. The bottom line is that the failure to be fluent in English can be a fatal blow to someone who wants to fully participate in our society -- let alone the global economy.