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imaocon Final up to date: English has turn out to be the worldwide language with the widest attain.
At least two billion folks converse English, and you could find them on each continent (even explorers in Antarctica).
I discovered English as a second language and it has been helpful to me virtually each single day, so I wished to share a few of what I’ve discovered alongside the way in which and introduce you to what English actually is.
With this submit, I’ll take you thru the English language as a complete—from its traits to its tradition and even some FAQ!
Contents
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What Is English?
English is the most generally spoken language on the earth. Whereas it originated from the United Kingdom, it has now turn out to be the native language of the United States, Canada, Eire, New Zealand and Australia.
It doesn’t finish there, although. Greater than 60 nations the world over acknowledge English as an official language. In truth, the bulk of people that know English aren’t even native audio system—they discovered it as a secondary language! This makes it no shock that English is the best choice for overseas language studying.
The story of English
How did English turn out to be so standard, anyway?
Properly, it didn’t occur by probability.
The story of English goes approach, approach again to a minimum of 400 AD, when Germanic tribes invaded Britain. One in every of these tribes had a language referred to as “Anglisc,” which English is known as after. The intermingling of those tribes led to Outdated English, which sounds very cool, however is wildly completely different from the English that we all know.
As extra conquerors rushed into Britain, languages like French and Outdated Norse had been added to the combo, resulting in Center English, which was used round 1100-1500.
English as we all know it has actually solely been round for the reason that 1800s, as this was the time its affect started to increase. The exploration of different lands by the British Empire introduced English to a whole lot of various civilizations.
Colonization solely expanded this affect extra, because the British managed many of those civilizations and made English the first language. On the peak of colonization, the Brits had management over 1 / 4 of the globe, so it’s no marvel how English has turn out to be so widespread!
We is perhaps previous the age of empires now, however there are extra English audio system than ever, and the language remains to be evolving.
The English writing system
In comparison with grammar and pronunciation, the only a part of English would most likely be the writing system.
Like many different European languages, English follows the Roman or Latin alphabet. This consists of 26 letters, starting from A to Z:
Letters will be both vowels or consonants. A, E, I, O and U are vowels, whereas every part else is a consonant.
As a result of there are so few letters but so many sounds you can also make in English, every letter can have multiple doable sound. For instance, the A’s in lack and lake are pronounced in another way!
The fundamental options
I may go on in regards to the quirks of the English language, but when I had to decide on, these are those you completely ought to know:
- Phrases aren’t at all times pronounced as they’re spelled. Bazaar and weird sound the identical and the letter mixture ough will be pronounced in ten alternative ways relying on the phrase!
- Stress is necessary. In all English phrases, there’s a syllable that’s burdened or emphasised. Stress the improper syllable, and it’ll sound unusual!
- Conjugations are easier. Not like many different languages, English doesn’t change the endings of verbs, adjectives and nouns as a lot. Most nouns don’t have a gender both, until they’re folks or animals.
- It normally follows the Topic-Verb-Object (SVO) construction. Phrase order in English is fairly constant. Right here’s what that appears like: I (topic) purchased (verb) ice cream (object).
These are simply a few of the issues that make English so distinctive!
Sorts of English
English appears to be a reasonably constant language. In spite of everything, you’ve gotten standardized dictionaries and grammar books and fluent English audio system from everywhere in the world can perceive one another effectively.
Though most issues are constant throughout the board, there are numerous varieties of English.
Colonization led to completely different areas choosing up the language whereas giving it their very own distinctive twist.
At this time, English continues to alter and diversify due to globalization. As extra folks be taught English everywhere in the world, they contribute to the wealthy, rising tapestry of English varieties.
British and American English
British and American English are probably the most distinguished types of English—different English varieties grew from these two. If you’re taking a category or going by way of a textbook in English, the main focus is more likely to be on both of those:
- British English is spoken in the UK. It’s the oldest sort of English as a result of that’s the place English initially got here from.
- North American English emerged when the British Empire colonized the US. It’s now a local language of the US and Canada and it’s additionally probably the most widespread selection on the earth.
In the event you be taught one, you’ll perceive the opposite simply! You will need to word that there are variations in some spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary and slang.
Right here is an instance of how British English and American English could differ:
British English: I’ve crisps and yogurt in my flat.
American English: I’ve chips and yogurt in my condo.
There are even additional variations inside these two dialects of English. For instance, Southern American English has a definite drawl and a few completely different slang. Within the UK, you may also hear a number of accents, comparable to Scottish, Geordie and Yorkshire.
Different English Varieties
Listed below are a few of the different frequent forms of English:
- Australian English — That is the primary language of a minimum of 18 million folks in Australia. It’s influenced by each British and American English, however it additionally has distinctive pronunciation (proper feels like “roight”).
- Irish English — Also called Hiberno-English, this selection from Eire mixes English with some Gaelic. If somebody says they’re “having the craic” in Irish English, which means they’re having enjoyable!
- New Zealand English — English is an official language in New Zealand and it sounds similar to Australian English, besides with a gentler twang. Vowels will be pronounced in another way, with guess sounding like “bit.”
- Scottish English — Scottish English tends to characteristic some phrases in Scots, with distinctive phrases like crabbit (ill-tempered) and braw (nice or superior).
- South African English — English is spoken by round 10% of the folks in South Africa, which is thought for being a melting pot of languages. In the event you hear about robots in South African English, that may really simply be slang for visitors lights.
- Singaporean English — That is the usual type of English spoken in Singapore and it attracts closely from British English. It has some Malay and Chinese language influences, so it may possibly sound extra syllable-timed than typical.
- Indian English — India has round 125 million English audio system, which makes it one of many largest English-speaking nations. Some distinctive phrases in Indian English embody please revert (please reply) and prepone (the other of postpone).
There are various extra varieties and dialects of English on the market, from South American English to Philippine English. You may also have a particular English selection the place you reside!
English Tradition
There’s extra to a language than phrases. Each language carries with it an enchanting tradition—in English’s case, one which began greater than a thousand years again.
Let’s discover the tradition behind the English language:
Humor
Humor is a significant a part of English-speaking tradition—thus all the hit comedy films, TV sequence and performances round. Humor in English tends to be very self-deprecating and infrequently even darkish.
Situational humor can also be a favourite. Situational humor follows on a regular basis conditions and highlights how issues may occur in an ungainly or humorous approach. One of the simplest ways to expertise this kind of humor is thru sitcoms (scenario comedies), that are a very fashionable style in English tv.
You may also get a very good chuckle with stand-up comedies, the place a comic will get in entrance of an viewers and tells jokes immediately.
One other type of English humor that appears to be frequent amongst most languages is enjoying round with phrases. Puns are easy however at all times get a very good chuckle. Right here’s an instance of an English pun:
What did the grape say when it bought crushed? Nothing, it simply let loose somewhat wine.
Gestures
As a lot as 55% of how we talk is thru physique language and gestures. Listed below are a number of gestures which are effectively understood within the English-speaking world:
- Thumbs up — The “Like” button on English social media platforms normally reveals a thumbs-up signal. It’s because it means “Okay!” or “Sure!”
- Shrug — This informal gesture is finest used amongst pals—keep away from utilizing it at work as a result of it might sound impolite! It means, “I don’t know,” “I don’t care” or “something goes.”
- Excessive 5 — If you wish to congratulate somebody on doing a very good job, you say “Excessive 5!” whereas holding your palm up. The opposite particular person then slaps their palm in opposition to yours.
Gestures come up rather a lot in English conversations, so realizing about them is a should for changing into fluent!
Meals
With all the English-speaking nations on the market, it’s laborious to decide on a single technique to describe the meals. If we take a look at the US and the UK, there’s a ardour for consolation meals and hearty meals.
A go-to mixture can be meat paired with potatoes or greens as a facet dish. Within the US particularly, you’ll discover tons of steakhouses and even folks having a barbecue or cookout that includes burgers, sizzling canine and different simple dishes of their backyards!
Different basic dishes embody apple pies, mac and cheese and bagels. For one thing actually mouthwatering, check out these iconic meals throughout the US.
One thing that many English cultures worth is comfort. Nearly each meals institution will supply a to-go possibility and there are an increasing number of methods to have meals delivered on to you day-after-day! Quick meals can also be very distinguished. Many English cultures worth having the ability to seize meals shortly to be environment friendly with their time.
Holidays
Turkey with cranberry sauce, Christmas bushes decked out in ornaments, parades and colourful fireworks—English cultures love their holidays!
Within the US, these are the three greatest holidays:
- Halloween — Halloween takes place on October 31. Anticipate to see children dressed up in spooky costumes and knocking in your door for candies and different treats!
- Thanksgiving — Thanksgiving occurs each fourth Thursday of November, and folks have fun by getting along with household and pals and having an enormous feast. Roasted turkey is nearly at all times on the menu.
- Christmas — This vacation is on December 25, however festivities normally begin as early as late November (after Thanksgiving). There’s a entire array of Christmas traditions, however probably the most notable might be waking up on Christmas morning and opening presents that had been positioned underneath the tree!
Enjoyable truth: folks generally have cookie events on Christmas (and sure, it’s a celebration the place folks carry all kinds of cookies and swap).
Standard tradition
In the event you needed to plot on the best way to make a language unfold all over the world, the best tactic must be standard tradition.
Even with out going to any native English-speaking nation, the vast majority of folks worldwide know rather a lot about English popular culture, from having the ability to hum English songs to realizing references from films or TV reveals.
English popular culture typically takes the cake for being probably the most widespread and appreciated by different cultures. On condition that English is such a worldwide language, lots of people are capable of perceive English music, films, TV reveals, books, podcasts, and so on.
You’ll be able to decide up on English in a short time simply by their popular culture, and it will likely be simply accessible!
Why Studying English Can Change Your Life
Now that we’ve gone by way of what English is, you is perhaps questioning if English actually is price studying.
I’m going to reply that with a particular sure. No matter your targets or background, English is likely one of the most helpful languages that you could be taught.
I’m from a rustic the place English isn’t a local language and being fluent in English has opened up so many alternatives for me. I’ve labored remotely with a number of firms all over the world; made pals with folks from Canada, Singapore and the UK; and located it simpler to maneuver round in different nations, together with the US and Korea—all because of English.
Studying English has additionally uncovered me to books, media and methods of considering that expanded my worldview. I actually wouldn’t be the person who I’m with out English!
Wherever you’re, studying English gives you a stronger connection to the remainder of the world. On prime of this, a variety of materials in different languages is just translated into English, so it’s a powerhouse of a language.
You don’t want good fluency, both—even simply having the ability to perceive some English can repay rather a lot.
To sum it up, right here’s what studying English can do for you:
- Provide you with entry to fascinating leisure and media, from bestselling books to wacky social media channels
- Make it easier to be taught extra effectively by way of the huge quantity of sources and tutorials in English
- Expose you to extra alternatives and doubtlessly broaden your profession
- Make touring extra handy as a result of there are more likely to be individuals who perceive English in different nations
- Help you join with extra folks worldwide and have a wider attain on-line
If that sounds thrilling, then give it a go!
FAQ About English
Because you’ve learn this far, you’re most likely interested by or already studying English. Right here’s a fast information to reply your most urgent questions on English:
Which number of English ought to I be taught?
It is a typical query amongst English learners as a result of there are such a lot of forms of English! The 2 most typical types of English that folks select to be taught formally are American and British English.
Whichever one you decide, you’ll nonetheless be capable of perceive the opposite finally. In the event you’re having a tough time deciding, think about which might match higher together with your targets:
- Are you planning to maneuver to a different nation?
- Are you going to review or work overseas?
- Will you be taking an English examination?
- In the event you received’t be shifting, which number of English is used extra the place you reside?
Between these two, extra folks find yourself choosing American English as a result of it’s probably the most widespread globally.
How laborious is it to be taught English?
It will depend on how shut your native language is to English, however in comparison with many different languages, English isn’t normally thought of too troublesome to be taught. You’ll be able to attain a fundamental stage quick, however it does take a very long time to grasp.
What folks typically discover difficult about English is it’s not very in keeping with spelling and grammar guidelines. It additionally has one of many largest vocabularies.
Nonetheless, it may be simpler to be taught than languages comparable to German and Russian as a result of the grammar isn’t as sophisticated and there are fewer conjugations. Which means much less memorization!
English can also be comparatively simple because of the expansive quantity of sources obtainable to you. A lot materials is on the market in English, so that you received’t should look very lengthy to search out one thing to review. You additionally definitely received’t run out of dialog companions—you possibly can even simply go browsing and somebody to observe speaking with.
How lengthy does it take to be taught English?
There’s no laborious and quick reply to this, however folks on common take round 500-600 hours to succeed in an higher intermediate stage. That is normally ok for getting round and having easy conversations in most conditions. If we do the mathematics, that’s equal to finding out English for round two hours day-after-day for a 12 months.
If you wish to be proficient, you might have to dedicate extra time as that requires about 1000 hours of finding out.
After all, everyone seems to be completely different and it will differ per particular person! The kind of language you already converse has a giant position to play. In the event you’re fluent in a European language, you may get the hold of English extra simply. Alternatively, if you happen to converse languages like Mandarin or Arabic, it’ll take longer as a result of there are fewer similarities with English.
It should even be simpler for you if in case you have already discovered a language earlier than as you’ll know what works to your examine habits and what doesn’t!
Which jobs worth English?
Due to globalization and the web, it’s not dramatic to say that realizing English will profit you in most jobs.
Extra firms are turning to location-independent or distant work. With this setup, you may find yourself working with folks from completely different nations—and English will come in useful (and even be required!). Even if you’re nonetheless working in a conventional setting, English is changing into a extra sought out talent day-after-day.
In case your job entails creating content material, working a web-based retailer, or coping with prospects and purchasers all over the world, then realizing English might be extraordinarily useful. English can also be a should within the journey, tourism and hospitality industries as a result of it’s such a typical language.
In case you are any form of worldwide profession, comparable to in diplomacy, English abilities might be a should! Typically, any job with worldwide publicity, from finance, to journalism and tutorial analysis will worth English.
Which English language examination ought to I take?
Most official exams in English are expensive, so that you’ll most likely solely take them if you happen to want formal proof that you could converse English.
These are the prime three English language exams:
- TOEFL (Check of English as a International Language)
- IELTS (Worldwide English Language Testing System)
- Cambridge (Cambridge Evaluation English)
In case you are planning to review overseas or immigrate, I counsel you are taking the TOEFL or the IELTS as they’re probably the most extensively accepted exams.
Extra nations take a look at TOEFL scores, however if you happen to’re shifting to the UK, then take the IELTS as an alternative. Simply word that your examination outcomes for each the TOEFL and IELTS expire each two years!
A UK and Europe-friendly different can be the Cambridge examination, which supplies you a take a look at rating that doesn’t expire. This examination follows the Frequent European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
What’s the easiest way to be taught English?
One of the simplest ways to be taught English is to flip it right into a behavior. Totally different examine strategies work for various folks, however consistency is essential for everybody.
In the event you dedicate time for English day-after-day, you’ll make progress—and also you’ll additionally begin forming your personal personalised strategy to studying.
Listed below are some methods that you could check out to spice up your studying journey:
- Study the most typical English vocabulary phrases. You can also make these simpler to recollect with a flashcard app.
- Have some textbooks and a grammar e-book for reference. This can provide you a little bit of construction, particularly when beginning out!
- Delve into native materials that’s near your stage. The extra genuine materials you’re uncovered to, the extra intuitive English can turn out to be for you. FluentU is a superb useful resource because it has a variety of genuine movies that may give you examine materials and studying instruments.
- Test in frequently with somebody who speaks English. This may be by way of a category, tutor, or dialog companion.
Give these a attempt to discover what works finest for you!
English is an enchanting language with a lot potential to alter lives and join folks from everywhere in the world.
What we’ve lined right here is just a glimpse—however hopefully it has impressed you indirectly. Whichever stage of the English language journey you’re in, there’s at all times one thing new to find.
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