A Lingua Franca is a language that is used as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages. It often arises in trade, travel, or multicultural settings where people need to understand each other despite language barriers. Historically, languages like Italian, French, and Arabic have served as lingua francas in various regions. In modern times, English has become the most widely recognized lingua franca, especially in international business, science, and technology. This allows people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate effectively, facilitating collaboration and understanding across cultures.