The English language is one of the most widely used languages in the world. It’s the language of business, international politics, and even science and medicine. It is the official language of around 75 countries. Also known as the lingua franca, the English language is used as a means of communication among those of different ethnic backgrounds and ethnicities. It is no wonder that more and more people want to learn.

With all the languages of the world, have you ever wondered how English became the global language? Let’s have a quick look at its recent history!

European Roots

The first English speakers, although it wasn’t quite the English we know today, were considered to be the Angles and the Saxons of Great Britain. The language spread slowly but surely, and as the country got more powerful, Britain established its first English-speaking colony in 1607 in North America. 

British Colonies

By the 19th century, science and technology were developing rapidly, which made the use of British English more established and was then brought to colonies in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

English then spread to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, some islands of the Caribbean, and the Anglophone population of Canada, becoming their native language. It also spread to Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The Philippines also has English as an official language, however, this was the influence of American colonialism instead of British, unlike its Asian neighbors

Globalization

The recent and rapid growth of science and technology paved the way for easy access to different people and cultures across the world. The invention of planes made it easier to travel. Computers and cellphones make it easier to transact with someone a continent away. 

With more and more people of different nationalities needing to communicate for business, tourism, and even entertainment, English became the medium for interaction. 

Now, there are numerous non-native speakers all over the world learning English!

Sources:

How English became the global language by  Ahmed Habeeb via researchgate.net

How English became the global language by Joseph Richard Preville via muscatdaily.com

How English became a lingua franca? Via weganton.blogspot.com