Stewart treats English as a plausible diaspora lingua franca because it is currently prominent in science and could be stabilised by widely shared media, while acknowledging that this may change across centuries. He distinguishes that in-universe explanation from the practical fact that he writes for English-language readers. A Spanish-founded company in another setting shows how a prestige culture can survive in first names and fashion even when officers have mixed family backgrounds and do not all speak Spanish. Language, names, and ranks become evidence of migration and institutional power rather than decorative labels pasted onto a fleet.
Notable Point · 30:22-32:31
Diaspora languages reflect founder power and media
A shared language can persist through scientific prestige, migration, mass media, and founder influence even as names and identities become culturally mixed.