The importance of learning English in the modern world

6 reasons to do so:

1. International prevalence

English may not be the most spoken language in the world, but it is the official language in a large number of countries.English is commonly spoken throughout much of the world due to Great Britain’s expansion during the colonial age. People in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, parts of Africa, India, and many smaller island nations speak English. English is the commonly adopted second language in Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. It is estimated that the number of people in the world that use in English to communicate on a regular basis is 2 billion!

2. Business

English is the dominant business language and it has become almost a necessity for people to speak English if they are to enter a global workforce. Research from all over the world shows that cross-border business communication is most often conducted in English. Its importance in the global market place therefore cannot be understated.Thus, learning English will open your job prospects and increase your standard of living. It invariably opens up opportunities regardless of your ethnicity, color, or background.

3. Travelling

With widening horizons, it’s the time for cultural intermingling. Since English is the most recognized language across the world, it promotes healthy cultural interaction. This is why more people want to learn English than any other language – it is a great way to learn other cultures. Learning English fosters bonds of friendship, understanding, and peace among different people.If you are far away in a distant land and you don’t understand their native language, knowledge of English can save you. Even if it’s a completely far off place, you will certainly find someone who understands a bit of English. This is why knowledge of English can be treated as a survival skill.

4. Education

A staggering majority of higher study programs are conducted in the English language. Countries like the UK and USA, home to the two prominent varieties of the language, offer some of the best education programs. Needless to say, barring language courses, every UK and US University conducts its certificate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in English. In addition, libraries, journals, educational magazines, and bulletins are all published in their native language. Even in countries which are multilingual, English is mostly positioned as the second most important language.

5. Pop culture

Many of the world’s top films, books and music are published and produced in English. Therefore by learning English you will have access to a great wealth of entertainment and will be able to get greater cultural experiences.

6. The Internet

Most of the content produced on the internet (around 50%) is in English. So knowing English will allow you access to an incredible amount of information which may not be otherwise available/understandable.

Clearly, it is very important to learn English. In these internet times when the next country is just a click way, it is wise to be familiar with the world’s favorite language. Regardless of nationality, age, and profession, possessing basic language skill in English is a useful tool in any situation. Although learning English can be challenging and time consuming, it is also very valuable to learn and can create you many opportunities!