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What caused the English spoken today to be different from the English spoken in earlier centuries?
Some of the main influences on the evolution of languages include: The movement of people across countries and continents, for example migration and, in previous centuries, colonisation. For example, English speakers today would probably be comfortable using the Spanish word “loco” to describe someone who is “crazy”.
How has English changed throughout the years?
As young people interact with others their own age, their language grows to include words, phrases, and constructions that are different from those of the older generation. The sounds of a language change over time, too. About 500 years ago, English began to undergo a major change in the way its vowels were pronounced.
How did the English language spread all over the world?
By the late 18th century, the British Empire had spread English through its colonies and geopolitical dominance. Commerce, science and technology, diplomacy, art, and formal education all contributed to English becoming the first truly global language. English also facilitated worldwide international communication.
Does the presence of non-native English speakers in schools affect educational attainment?
An increased presence of children who do not speak English as their first language is not detrimental to the educational attainment of native English speakers.
How many countries have a majority of native English speakers?
Majority English-speaking countries. There are six countries with a majority of native English speakers. They are: the United States of America (at least 231 million), the United Kingdom (60 million), Canada (at least 20 million), Australia (at least 17 million),, the Republic of Ireland (4.9 million) and New Zealand (4.8 million).
What is the future of English as a global language?
Increasingly, the long-term future of English as a global language probably lies in the hands of Asia, and especially the huge populations of India and China. Having said that, though, there may now be a critical mass of English speakers throughout the world which may make its continued growth impossible to stop or even slow.
Does India have more English speakers than any other country?
India has the largest number of second-language speakers of English (see Indian English); Crystal (2004) claims that combining native and non-native speakers, India has more people who speak or understand English than any other country in the world. However, most scholars and research that has been conducted dispute his assertions.