Search
Share
English, often referred to as the global lingua franca, is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. How many people speak English? Today, approximately 1.35 billion people worldwide speak English.
Whether you’re a native English speaker or learning it as a second language, you might be curious about the extent of its global reach. Just how many people speak English? In this article, we’ll explore the reach of the English language across the globe, its ranking among the world’s most spoken languages, and its reputation as a language to learn.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the prominence of English on the international stage as well as the most useful languages for travel.
Table of contents:
What Percentage of the World Speaks English?
English is a language that transcends borders and cultures.
How many people speak English exactly? As of September 2021, approximately 1.35 billion people worldwide spoke English, either as their native language or as a second language.
To put this in perspective, this accounts for roughly 17% of the global population. This percentage might have changed slightly since then, but English’s global influence remains significant.
English's prevalence as a second language and its use as a global lingua franca give it an unparalleled role in international communication
What Is the World’s Most Spoken Language?
While English boasts a substantial number of speakers, it doesn’t hold the title of the world’s most spoken language.
That distinction belongs to Chinese, specifically Mandarin Chinese. With over a billion native speakers, Mandarin Chinese holds the top spot.
However, English is widely considered the most widely spoken second language, making it a dominant force in international communication, business, and culture.
You might also like: 13 interview skills
Is English the Most Spoken Language Now?
As mentioned earlier, English is not the most spoken language when considering native speakers alone. Mandarin Chinese takes the lead in that category.
Nevertheless, English’s prevalence as a second language and its use as a global lingua franca give it an unparalleled role in international communication.
English is often the language of choice for diplomacy, business negotiations, and academic research. It bridges gaps between individuals and cultures from different linguistic backgrounds.
Is English Considered an Easy Language to Learn?
The difficulty of learning any language is subjective and varies from person to person. English, compared to some other languages, is often considered relatively accessible for several reasons:
Alphabet:
English uses the Latin alphabet, which is familiar to many learners worldwide. Resources: There is a wealth of resources available for learning English, including courses, textbooks, online platforms, and language exchange programs.
Global Popularity:
English’s global popularity means that many people have some exposure to it, making practice and immersion easier.
Simplified Grammar:
English has a relatively simple grammatical structure compared to languages with complex inflectional systems.
However, English is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of pronunciation and irregular verbs. Additionally, mastering English idioms and colloquial expressions can be tricky.
Countries That Speak English as a First or Second Language
English is not only the primary language of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand but also serves as an official or widely spoken second language in many other nations.
Some countries where English is commonly spoken as a second language include:
India – English is one of India’s official languages and is widely used in education, business, and government.
Singapore – English is one of Singapore’s official languages, along with Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil.
Nigeria – English is the official language of Nigeria and is used in government and education.
South Africa – English is one of South Africa’s 11 official languages and is used in various domains.
Philippines – While Filipino is the official language, English is widely spoken and used in education and business.
Malaysia – English is one of Malaysia’s official languages, alongside Malay.
You might also like: 7 online english conversation practice courses
Most Useful Languages for Travel
If you’re a traveler, you might be wondering which languages are the most useful for exploring the world.
While English is undeniably valuable for international travel, it’s not the only useful language. Some other languages to consider learning for travel purposes include:
Spanish: Spanish is spoken in many countries across Latin America and Spain itself, making it highly useful for travelers in those regions.
French: French is spoken in numerous countries in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Mandarin Chinese: If you plan to visit China or Taiwan, learning Mandarin Chinese can be immensely beneficial.
Arabic: Arabic is useful in many Middle Eastern and North African countries.
German: German is spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Japanese: For travelers interested in Japan, learning some Japanese can enhance your experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the English language’s reach extends far and wide, with approximately 1.35 billion speakers around the world. While it may not be the most spoken language in terms of native speakers, its status as a global lingua franca makes it indispensable for international communication.
Whether you’re traveling, conducting business, or pursuing academic endeavors, knowing English can open doors and foster connections across borders.
So, if you’re contemplating learning a new language, English is undoubtedly a valuable choice for the opportunities it can unlock in today’s interconnected world.
Don't forget to share this article!
Meet Amphy
The largest marketplace for live
classes, connecting and enriching
humanity through knowledge.
Find Online Teachers
Back to top