Question

In groups, sum up what you've learnt about the English language. 1 Why is learning English important? 2 How many people in the world speak English? 3 How many words are there in the English language?​

Answer 1

1. Learning English is important for several reasons. Firstly, English is the most widely spoken language in the world and serves as a lingua franca in many international contexts. Knowing English allows individuals to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which can be crucial in today's globalized world. Additionally, English is the primary language used in various fields such as business, science, and technology, making it essential for career growth and opportunities. Moreover, learning English opens doors to educational opportunities, as many universities and academic institutions across the world offer courses and programs in English.

2. Approximately 1.5 billion people in the world speak English either as their first, second, or foreign language. Although the number of native English speakers is around 380 million, English is also widely used as a second or foreign language by many non-native speakers.

3. Estimating the exact number of words in the English language is challenging due to continuous additions and changes over time. However, it is believed that the English language has over one million words, combining both familiar and technical vocabulary. It's worth noting that the average English speaker typically uses around 20,000 to 35,000 words actively in their daily communication.