It is widely held that English is the first truly global language. One might see English in this context as being simply a neutral, universal vehicle for the expression of local thoughts and ideas. In fact, english words and phrases have embedded in them a wealth of cultural baggage that is invisible to most native speakers. Anna Wiezbicka, a distinguished linguist known for her theories of semantics, has written the first book that connects the English language with what she terms "Anglo" culture.