"It may seem obvious that English is the one truly global language, but Scott Montgomery, himself a professional translator, is the first to assess the costs and benefits of this fact with such clarity."
— Steve Fuller, Auguste Comte Chair in Social Epistemology, University of Warwick
"As a writer and translator of scientific texts, Scott L. Montgomery has had a front-row seat to an extraordinary development: the rapid ascent of English as the lingua franca of science."
— Chronicle of Higher Education
"An intelligent and learned book. . . . In linking linguistic developments and changes to individuals’ life stories and [Scott Montgomery's] own experience, he communicates that the personal and political are interconnected and that the production of knowledge is part of historical, political processes and shifts in power, often played out in the daily tragedies, failures and fragilities of ‘real people’. This is not a naive or triumphant book about English as a global force. It is a book written by a modernist, a believer in science as a joint, progressive human project. For this purpose as well as for its sheer learnedness and elegance of expression, it is well worth a read."
— M@n@gement
"In this interesting, entertaining, and highly informative read, Scott L. Montgomery teases apart various expected and several unanticipated considerations in determining whether science needs a global language. . . . It is without a doubt a meaningful read for scientists, science educators and researchers, and particularly those interested in science within the context of language and history."
— Science Education
"Because both educators and researchers at all levels encounter increasing levels of globalization, this book is highly recommended for all."
— Journal of Chemical Education
"Montgomery gives an informative and even-handed account of the state of play, enlivened by anecdotes about professional encounters with non-native English-speaking scientists, and makes thoughtful suggestions as to what this implies for scientific education and publishing."
— Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development
"Montgomery makes a convincing case, and he does it with an engaging style."
— Steven Breckler, PsycCRITIQUES
"Montgomery gives a clear overview of the issues surrounding any possible international language of science, and makes a convincing argument for the acceptance of the reality of the place of English in the world. . . . [T]his is a fascinating book that takes a pragmatic view of an important, though potentially contentious, subject."
— The British Journal for the History of Science