Why English Matters: The Global Language for 2020 and Beyond

We know that English is the most understood language today, with 2 billion speakers across the world. 

English is not only the most widely spoken language in the world, but it’s also crucial for your personal and professional growth. Learning English opens doors to numerous opportunities and enhances your ability to communicate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world!

The British Council interviewed six English language students to explore how their courses were influencing their lives. Their findings revealed that English serves as a powerful tool for empowerment, helping learners become more competitive in the job market, pursue higher education abroad, and improve their skills in accessing information and forming online connections.

This important language has changed the lives of so many people. It could just change your life too. 

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If you’re looking for more reasons why you should be part of the huge community of English speakers, read on!

5 Fascinating Facts about the English language

English is a fascinating language filled with surprises! Here are five intriguing facts that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of its uniqueness.

There are 2 billion English speakers in the world

With a staggering 2 billion speakers globally, English holds the title of the most widely spoken language in the world. Additionally, it ranks as the third most spoken language among native speakers, highlighting its significant influence and reach across diverse cultures.

English, being the most widely spoken language globally, serves as a vital bridge between diverse cultures, fostering relationships and enhancing mutual understanding. By investing your time and effort into learning English, you’ll unlock the ability to communicate with approximately 20% of the world’s population.

English is the official language of 67 countries

Absolutely, 67 countries recognize English as an official language! Even in nations where English isn’t the primary tongue, it holds official status, meaning it’s endorsed by the government and commonly taught in schools. This widespread acceptance highlights the remarkable global reach of just one language!

The “core Anglosphere” comprises several key nations where English is predominantly spoken. This group includes the United States, boasting over 230 million native speakers, the United Kingdom with around 60 million, Canada with at least 20 million, Australia with approximately 17 million, and New Zealand with 4.8 million speakers. Additionally, thanks to the legacy of the British Empire, several other countries recognize English as an official language, including Barbados, India, Nigeria, and Cyprus.

English words used to have gender

If you’re fluent in Spanish, German, or French, you’re accustomed to nouns categorized as masculine, feminine, or neutral. In contrast, modern English nouns are gender-neutral. However, it’s fascinating to note that English once had gendered nouns too!

Before the 1200s, Old English utilized gendered articles: “se” for masculine and “seo” for feminine, instead of the modern “the” and “a.” The reasons behind this linguistic shift remain unclear, but Professor Anne Curzan, in her book *Gender Shifts in the History of English*, suggests that the blending of English with various languages over centuries played a key role. Much of this language mixing occurred in Northern England, significantly influenced by Viking invasions from the 700s to the 1000s.

Since English has such complex grammar rules, it’s fortunate that there isn’t the added complication of gendered nouns! 

There are ~171,000 words in the English vocabulary

Before diving into the richness of the English language, it’s important to reassure English learners: there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed by the vast vocabulary. In fact, studies indicate that mastering just 300 of the most frequently used words can help you understand approximately 65% of all written English.

As of now, the Oxford English Dictionary boasts an impressive total of 171,476 words. However, determining the accuracy of this figure can be quite challenging due to English’s rich history of borrowing from various languages. Additionally, linguists face difficulties in defining what constitutes a “whole” word. For instance, should we consider plurals, diminutives, and verb conjugations as separate entries? This complexity adds another layer to the fascinating study of the English language.

Every two hours, approximately three new words make their way into the dictionary, with around 1,000 entries added to the Oxford English Dictionary each year. In 2020, for instance, terms like “LOL,” “awesomesauce,” and “shticky” were officially recognized, highlighting the playful and ever-evolving nature of our language.

Shakespeare added over 1,000 words to the English language

Language evolves over time, shaped by the collective influence of countless speakers over centuries. While it’s rare for a single individual to drive significant linguistic change, one notable exception in English is William Shakespeare, whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the language.

The English language owes much of its richness to the genius of William Shakespeare, the playwright behind iconic works such as *Romeo and Juliet* and *Hamlet*. He introduced us to a wealth of vocabulary, with terms like “lonely,” “critic,” and “addiction” becoming part of our everyday speech. Curious about more words he coined? Discover the complete list of Shakespeare’s inventions here!

If you feel like a challenge, try adding Shakespeare to your reading list alongside these 15 classic English stories.

6 reasons why English is the most valuable language you can learn in 2020 (and beyond)

Mastering English opens the door to a vibrant global dialogue in countless ways. Here are five compelling reasons why learning English can transform your life for the better.

1. English is the dominant language in academia

In 2020, a remarkable 17 out of the top 20 universities in the world ranked in English-speaking countries, highlighting the dominance of English as the language of academia. This statistic underscores the global reliance on English for higher education and research.

Mastering English can unlock opportunities at some of the world’s leading colleges and universities, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. Many of these prestigious institutions require a B2 level of English proficiency. If your goal is to enhance your English to meet this standard, you can easily connect with an online tutor who can evaluate and improve your speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills.

Reaching a B2 level in English may seem daunting, but academic institutions emphasize its importance for your success. This proficiency ensures you can fully engage with your classes and absorb the material without the added stress of language barriers. Embracing this challenge will enhance your learning experience and academic performance.

The most effective way to demonstrate your English proficiency is by obtaining a certification from either the IELTS or TOEFL exams. Earning one of these prestigious certifications can open doors to numerous opportunities, enhancing your prospects not only in higher education but also in your professional career.

2. English is the most common business language

Mastering English significantly boosts your employability, not only with companies in the UK and US but also with businesses worldwide. According to research conducted by Cambridge English, over 95% of employers value English proficiency, even in nations where it isn’t an official language.

Not speaking the common office language can hinder your ability to connect with colleagues and enjoy valuable bonding moments. More importantly, it can lead to challenges in effectively communicating your ideas in your daily tasks and with customers or potential clients. This is why international companies actively seek skilled English speakers to enhance collaboration and ensure smooth interactions.

Mastering English significantly enhances your value to employers, making you a sought-after asset in the workforce. In fact, a recent study revealed that individuals fluent in English can earn, on average, 28% more per hour than their non-fluent counterparts. This proficiency not only boosts your employability but also translates into greater financial rewards.

Mastering English opens up a world of opportunities, allowing you to work and earn in nearly any corner of the globe. Take Marc, for example; after enhancing his English skills, he earned a promotion and moved to New York. He shares, “To excel in my new role, I needed to communicate with greater nuance. Now, I feel more at ease participating in large meetings with managers from the UK.”

3. The most popular entertainment in the world is in English

Hollywood and Netflix have introduced us to a world of captivating stories and must-watch television. By learning English, you can enjoy these shows without the hassle of awkward subtitles and questionable translations!

Entertainment offers an enjoyable and effective avenue for learning English! One engaging method is to watch movies with a notepad in hand, pausing to jot down and explore new vocabulary. Alternatively, you can “shadow” your favorite characters by pausing the film whenever they say something intriguing and carefully repeating their lines. These methods not only make learning new words enjoyable but also help you enhance your pronunciation skills.

YouTube is an excellent platform for language learning, with 66% of its content available in English. Numerous vloggers and channels focus specifically on teaching languages, including popular names like Bob the Canadian, LinguaMarina, and Mr. Duncan. Don’t miss our list of the top 10 YouTube channels to enhance your English skills!

Plus, with proficiency in English, you’ll unlock a world of entertainment, including online games, literature, live performances, and so much more. The possibilities for enjoyment are truly limitless!

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4. English is the most useful language for travel

With so many English speakers, traveling across the world becomes so much easier! 

English serves as a widely spoken second language, enabling you to connect with others and explore different cultures more effectively. Even a basic understanding of English can be invaluable when you need directions to the nearest bus station or wish to haggle for the best prices at a market. In critical situations, this knowledge could even prove lifesaving for you or someone else.

In numerous popular tourist hotspots, hospitality workers utilize English to enhance their businesses. This enables them to communicate effectively with potential customers, ensuring that visitors can easily find what they need and receive excellent value for their money.

Mastering essential English phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience by making communication much easier. If you have a trip on the horizon, check out these indispensable English travel phrases to ensure a smoother journey.

5. English is the language of the online world

English is the dominant language on the internet, with more than half of the world’s most visited web pages written in it. With over 1 billion users communicating in English, you’ll find a vast array of resources and learning platforms available to enhance your skills.

Dive into a world of entertainment with captivating YouTube videos and movies. Stay informed by browsing the latest headlines from The New York Times. Connect with others through language exchange apps, and you might even discover romance on dating platforms. With the internet’s endless possibilities, there’s always something new to explore!

English offers more than just a boost for enjoying online entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By mastering English, individuals can showcase their talents through avenues like creating personal websites or enrolling in online courses. Moreover, global companies are increasingly leveraging digital platforms, such as email and LinkedIn, to recruit proficient English speakers, while tools like Zoom facilitate seamless online interviews.

Mastering English can unlock a world of opportunities, whether you’re aiming for professional advancement or pursuing personal interests. The internet is a vast resource, and proficiency in English allows you to access a wealth of information and connect with diverse communities.

6. English is the easiest language in the world to learn

Mastering English can be challenging, especially when you encounter its quirky spellings and pronunciations, such as “colonel” and “choir.” Despite these hurdles, many people believe English is one of the most accessible languages to learn, thanks to its widespread use and rich resources available for learners.

English nouns are gender-neutral, and the grammar system is refreshingly simple. Sentence structures are direct, avoiding the complexities of morphological changes—where words alter form based on their role in a sentence. Unlike languages such as Spanish, where adjectives change endings based on noun gender, English keeps things straightforward. This simplicity makes mastering nouns and adjectives a walk in the park!

The opportunities to immerse yourself in English are truly limitless, surpassing those available for any other language. You can engage with English through various mediums, including television, books, the internet, and personal conversations. Exploring articles, diving into novels, and watching shows can significantly enhance your language skills and comprehension.

Sharpen your real-world English skills with 1-on-1 tutoring

Mastering English can be a fun and effective journey, especially when you tap into the rich variety of English entertainment and the myriad of online learning resources at your disposal. To achieve fluency quickly, though, it’s essential to engage in real speaking practice and immerse yourself in authentic language experiences that reflect everyday usage.

We highly recommend taking regular lessons with a native English tutor for an effective learning experience. With one-on-one sessions, you’ll begin speaking English from your very first lesson. Your tutor will provide valuable resources and daily tips to enhance your skills. Having a dedicated guide to immerse you in the language will accelerate your progress, ensuring you see results quickly.

Interested in corporate language training with your team? Check out LingualNeeds Enterprise!

The English language plays a vital role in various aspects of life, but each individual has their unique motivations for learning it. For some, it’s a stepping stone to advancing their careers, while for others, it’s the desire to connect with a loved one in their native tongue.

No matter why you’re learning English, staying focused on your goals and practicing consistently is key. This dedication will unlock the remarkable benefits that mastering the English language can bring to your life.