TESOL 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term 'lingua franca' refers to a language that is employed as a means of communication between speakers of different native languages, typically for purposes of trade, diplomacy, or other forms of cross-cultural interaction. This concept is crucial in contexts where people need to communicate but do not share a common mother tongue.

A language that serves this function is often widely understood and can facilitate international dialogue, making it essential in globalized settings, such as business and tourism. The relevance of a lingua franca extends beyond mere vocabulary; it encompasses mutual intelligibility and shared understanding, which is vital in fostering effective communication among diverse groups.

In contrast, the other options describe different language situations that do not align with the definition of 'lingua franca.' A language spoken only by natives would not serve the purpose of bridging communication gaps between non-native speakers. A formal language used in literature typically represents a specific style or register rather than functioning as a common means of communication in multilingual contexts. Finally, a language with no speakers cannot fulfill the role of a lingua franca, as it must be actively used in communication. Thus, the correct interpretation is that a lingua franca is indeed a language used for international communication.