Which of the Following Languages is one of the two official languages of the United Nations?

A) Hindi
B) English
C) Sanskrit
D) German

Correct Answer: B) English

English is one of the UN’s two primary working languages, alongside French, and one of six official languages. Its global reach makes it essential for UN operations, from resolutions to diplomacy. Understanding its role helps students grasp how language drives international cooperation and careers.

What Are the UN’s Official Languages?

The UN has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. English and French are the two primary working languages used in day-to-day operations, like meetings and documents. This makes English a critical tool for global communication at the UN, from New York to Geneva.

The other options—Hindi, Sanskrit, and German—aren’t official UN languages. Hindi is widely spoken in India, Sanskrit is an ancient language, and German, while influential, doesn’t have official status. For students, knowing English’s role helps you understand how the UN functions on a global stage.

Why English?

English’s status as a UN working language comes from its global reach and historical context. When the UN was founded in 1945, English was already a major diplomatic and business language, thanks to the British Empire and the U.S.’s growing influence. French, the other working language, was chosen for its diplomatic history in Europe.

English’s widespread use makes it practical for UN operations, as it’s understood by delegates from many countries. For students, this shows how language choices reflect power dynamics and practicality in international organizations, making English a key player in global talks.

Role of English in UN Operations

At the UN, English is used for drafting resolutions, speeches, and reports, often alongside French. Simultaneous interpretation ensures all six official languages are covered in major meetings, but English dominates informal discussions and internal documents. This makes fluency in English a must for diplomats and UN staff.

The language’s role extends to UN agencies like UNICEF or WHO, where English ensures clear communication across diverse regions. For students, understanding this helps you see why English skills are crucial for careers in diplomacy or international organizations.

Why Not Hindi, Sanskrit, or German?

Hindi, while spoken by millions in India, isn’t an official UN language because it lacks the global diplomatic reach of English or French. Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, is culturally significant but not used in modern diplomacy. German, despite Germany’s economic power, was never added, partly because English and French already cover Western languages.

Adding a new official language requires agreement from all UN members, which is tough due to cost and logistics. For students, this explains why English’s role is secure and how language choices at the UN balance practicality with politics.

Impact on Global Communication

English’s status at the UN boosts its role as a global lingua franca. It helps diplomats from different countries communicate, reducing misunderstandings in high-stakes talks. It also makes UN documents accessible to a wide audience, from policymakers to students researching global issues.

This dominance has downsides, like favoring English-speaking countries in debates, but the UN’s interpretation system ensures inclusivity. For students, exploring English’s role shows how language shapes global cooperation and why learning it opens doors in international careers.

Why It Matters for Students

Knowing English’s role at the UN is more than a trivia fact—it’s a window into global diplomacy. If you’re aiming for a career in international relations, law, or NGOs, English proficiency is a must. It’s also a reminder of how language connects people across cultures, from UN resolutions to everyday global interactions.

For students, studying this topic highlights the importance of communication skills in a connected world. English’s UN status isn’t just about meetings; it’s about bridging divides and solving global problems, making it a cool fact to know.

Summary

Question: Which of the following languages is one of the two official languages of the United Nations?
Answer: English languages is one of the two official languages of the United Nations.
English’s place as a UN official language shows its power in global diplomacy, connecting nations and ideas. For students, it’s a reminder of why language skills matter in a world of international challenges. Learning this fact opens up the UN’s work and inspires you to think globally.

Quick Facts

• Official Languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.
• Working Languages: English and French.
• Role: Used in UN meetings, documents, and diplomacy.
• Why English: Global reach, historical influence.
• Other Options: Hindi, Sanskrit, German not official due to limited diplomatic use.
• Relevance: Key for careers in diplomacy and global communication.