Thread: Летс ми спик фром май харррт

You are more than wrong, Throbert. Linguistic features never influence the choice of the international language. Why hasn't English been replaced by Esperanto?
Most people in China know Mandarin. English is the lingua franca, but most people in the world don't know it. It is also very difficult. English spelling is a terrible mess, English pronunciation is very difficult too. Even Russians have big problems with English consonants, while Russian is a very consonant-rich language (36 consonants; English - 24). Not to mention the Chinese.
Think how Russian was abandonned in Slavic countries, while it was much easier than English for them.

However, Marcus, I think you are correct in some sense -- linguistic features are probably less important than cultural and political and economic factors. If China became a much more attractive destination for immigrants from around the world, and if Chinese culture became much more welcoming to immigrants from all ethnic backgrounds who want to fully assimilate and become Chinese citizens, then people would be "motivated" to learn Chinese, despite the linguistic barriers.

English pronunciation is very difficult too

"Difficult" in what context -- Making yourself understood? Or passing yourself off as a native speaker?