It seems the debate over whether to have English designated as America’s official language will always be with us. But in other countries, studies show, learning English may be just as important as it is here. Two interesting pieces were posted this week describing how nations that continue to embrace the English language may have more successful citizens.
The Global Language Network has shown that English is the most influential language in the world, despite trailing Chinese and Spanish in total number of speakers. This was determined through analyses of Wikipedia, Twitter, book translations, and number of well-known people. Since these sources of information, communication, and fame are strong indicators of relevance and dissemination, researchers have determined that knowing English offers a stronger chance of becoming an influential person than where you are born or how much money you have. Check out this cool graphic that shows how English is connected to other languages.
Voices of America also posted an article referring to how well other countries are learning the English language. By studying the English skills of over 900,000 adults in 70 countries, Education First developed an index listing in order each nation’s proficiency in English. Scandinavian countries top the list, while nations in the Middle East are at the bottom. What is not hard to notice, though, is what tends to coincide with English language skills. Those nations with high English proficiency have wealthier citizens with higher incomes, have more educated citizens overall (particularly females), have higher levels of industry and innovation, and tend to be more democratic, with increased equality and civil rights.
The English language is the ticket to not only assimilation in both American and global communities, but it is a defining characteristic among many around the world who are able to fully participate in commercial and civic activities. Keep working on improving your own English skills, and then do the world a favor and help someone else improve theirs. We will all be better off for it.
The Global Language Network has shown that English is the most influential language in the world, despite trailing Chinese and Spanish in total number of speakers. This was determined through analyses of Wikipedia, Twitter, book translations, and number of well-known people. Since these sources of information, communication, and fame are strong indicators of relevance and dissemination, researchers have determined that knowing English offers a stronger chance of becoming an influential person than where you are born or how much money you have. Check out this cool graphic that shows how English is connected to other languages.
Voices of America also posted an article referring to how well other countries are learning the English language. By studying the English skills of over 900,000 adults in 70 countries, Education First developed an index listing in order each nation’s proficiency in English. Scandinavian countries top the list, while nations in the Middle East are at the bottom. What is not hard to notice, though, is what tends to coincide with English language skills. Those nations with high English proficiency have wealthier citizens with higher incomes, have more educated citizens overall (particularly females), have higher levels of industry and innovation, and tend to be more democratic, with increased equality and civil rights.
The English language is the ticket to not only assimilation in both American and global communities, but it is a defining characteristic among many around the world who are able to fully participate in commercial and civic activities. Keep working on improving your own English skills, and then do the world a favor and help someone else improve theirs. We will all be better off for it.