Lingua Franca 2.0: The Enduring Power of English Amidst Artificial Intelligence

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed nearly every aspect of human society, from communication to commerce, education, and global collaboration. In this rapidly evolving landscape, English remains the world's most influential lingua franca. This paper explores the multifaceted relevance of English in the age of AI, examining its continued importance in technological innovation, digital communication, global workforce development, and education. It critically analyses how English proficiency confers advantages in accessing AI-driven opportunities, reviews the impact of AI on English language acquisition, and addresses whether artificial intelligence will diminish or amplify the significance of English in the coming decades.