More Than Just Literature: How English Powers Law, Media, and Global Culture

Blog / August 28, 2025

B.A. Research in EnglishB.A. EnglishB.A. in English

The world consists of over 8.2 billion people who belong to different ethnicities and religions. What’s more fascinating is the fact that they speak over 7000 languages. People take great pride in speaking their languages, as there is a long history and cultural values associated with them.

Out of all of those 7000s, one language that has established itself as a global means of communication is English, and its influence goes far beyond literature and novels.

The adoption of English as a global medium of communication didn’t happen overnight, in fact there have been multiple factors including historical, political, economic, and cultural, that contributed to it.

What’s more intriguing is the fact that in a linguistically-diverse country like India, where language changes with every region, English is used as a common language in the professional workspaces across science, corporate businesses, government offices, etc.

Such evidence is enough to understand the kind of impact that English has on our daily lives. Therefore, it becomes important to study English deeply as it opens the gateway to diverse career opportunities. And the degree that serves the purpose is a B.A. in English.

In this blog, we’ll see how English emerged as the lingua franca, along with the relevance of the degree in it for an individual in the long run.

How English Rose as a Global Language

English is used extensively across the globe as a common means of communication. Apart from the native speakers, people use English as their second and even third language. But the main question is “How did English emerge as the global language?” Well, the answer lies in the long history that primarily revolves around British colonial imperialism.

The British colonial expansion during the 16th to 20th centuries is one of the major reasons behind English’s sheer dominance. There was a period when the British ruled over a quarter of the world’s population in the 19th century. Its consequences were reflected in administration, trade, law, and education, as they used English as the primary language in these areas. 

If we take India as an example, the British curbed down local languages at higher roles and prioritized English over them. And on August 15, 1947, when India got independence, the English language continued to rule the country's law and government system following its solid grounding.

Furthermore, the Industrial revolution (during the 18th-19th century) and the rise of the United States (in the 20th century) played a massive role in spreading English in the global market as trade contracts, agreements, and communications relied heavily on it. In present times, over 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English, followed by Mandarin Chinese and Hindi.

English’s Impact on Law, Media, and Global Culture

In present times, around 186 countries speak English as a native or secondary language. It is enough to understand the huge impact of English across distinctive domains. The English dominance can also be witnessed from its use in the legal structure of different nations. Former British colonies like India, South Africa, and Singapore conduct their legal proceedings in English and also use it in the official documentation.

English also rules the field of media and journalism as international news agencies, including BBC, CNN, Reuters etc., propagate information and news across the globe in English. The entertainment industry too produces the majority of its content in English in the form of shows, OTT, movies, songs, etc, which are widely consumed in non-English speaking nations.

On a broader aspect, English influences global culture as it is used as the default language in science, business, and education. A recent report indicates that over 80% of the research papers are published in English, which reflects its widespread acceptance.

Beyond Grammar - What a B.A. in English Really Unlocks

Since we have already understood the prominence that English holds across different domains, it's time to draw our attention towards its study. B.A. in English, is an undergraduate program that emphasizes the study of English literature, language, as well as various areas related to it.

A student who has just completed their 12th can pursue the degree and unlock a wide path of opportunities in:

• Media and Journalism
• Research and Academia
• Writing and Publishing, and 
• Civil Services and Government Jobs

Students also have the choice to pursue higher education to further elevate in their career. Here’s what you can do:

• Bachelor of Education
• Master's in English Literature 
• Master's in Creative Writing
• Master's in Library Science
• Master's in Journalism or Mass Communication

Kick Start Your English Journey @Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence)

Selecting the right university is as important as selecting the course as it lays the foundation of a rewarding career in the long run. And if the course is B.A. in English where critical thinking plays a huge role, then choosing Shiv Nadar University becomes a no-brainer. Shiv Nadar University offers one of India’s most thoughtfully curated B.A. (Research) in English programs, which are rooted deeply in rigorous academics, global relevance, and logical freedom.

The university integrates interdisciplinary freedom with research-led learning, offering a setting where literature meets various fields like cultural studies, creative writing, and media. The experienced and professional faculty at Shiv Nadar University make sure exceptional teaching methods help raise your learning experience to the next level.

Conclusion - Why English is More Than Just Literature

English language is not just an asset - it's a necessity. It serves as a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas. The modern times drive success via communication, and this is where English exhibits its power as a tool for overcoming obstacles and building connections. So, step into the world of English at Shiv Nadar University and study B.A. in English subjects that build different paths of opportunities.

FAQs

1. Does Shiv Nadar University conduct an entrance exam for B.A in English?

Yes. Shiv Nadar University conducts SNUSAT exams and an interview. The university also prefers CUET, SAT and ACT scores for admissions.

2. What is the duration of B.A. in English at Shiv Nadar University?

B.A in English program is usually four years, which is divided into 8 semesters.

3. What is the minimum percentage in 12th class to get admission in Shiv Nadar University?

An aggregate of the best 4 academic subjects in the mark sheet must be >=65% (must include English).