English – the global language

ENGLISH – THE GLOBAL LANGUAGE

CONTENTS

• The English language facts.
• History of English – speaking world.
• The international language of the modern world.
• English in the media.
• English and the Internet.
• Typical English Food.
• Is it important to learn English?
• Conclusion

The English language facts.

First language:	350 milion people
Second language:	up to 1,4 billion people
A basic knowledge:	1 billion people
Official language:	53 countries
Number of words:	over 1 milion
Websites in English:	about 70%

The relative numbers of English speakers in the major English speaking countries.

Country	First language	Additional language
USA	215,423,557	35,964,744
United Kingdom	58,100,000	1,500,000
Canada	17,694,830	7,551,390
Australia	15,581,329	2,591,660
Nigeria	4,000,000	75,000,000
Philippines	3,427,000	43,974,000
India	226,449	Second- 86,125,221 Third-38,993,066

Pie chart showing the relative numbers of native English speakers.

• Countries of the world where English is an official language or national language.
• Countries where it is an official/non-official but not primary language.

History of English - speaking world.

• In the 19th century, rich European countries started to explore the world. British explorers and traders went on voyages of discovery to Africa, Asia and the Pacific. They sailed across the oceans and discovered countries like Australia and New Zealand. The new countries became part of the British Empire. The emigrants took their language and way of life to their new homes.These countries often have a mix of British traditions and their own customs.

The international language of the modern world.

• People travelling in foreign countries use English when they don’t speak the local language.At the airports all over the world you can hear English.
• When there are business meetings between people speaking different languages, they are usually in English, so that everyone can participate.

International organisations use English as their official language of communication:

• International organisations use English as their official language of communication:
• United Nations
• European Union
• Commonwealth of Nations
• CoE
• NATO
• NAFTA
• OAS
• OIC
• PIF

• English in the media

You can’t escape from English in the media nowadays! If you turn on the radio or TV you’ll hear music in English. If you can understand English you have a bigger choice of programmes.

• You can’t escape from English in the media nowadays! If you turn on the radio or TV you’ll hear music in English. If you can understand English you have a bigger choice of programmes.
• Lots of sportswear brands, cars and another products have slogans in English.
• Many magazines,newspapers and books written in English are available in countries around the world.