If you can speak English, you’ll probably be able to communicate with someone in almost any major country you might visit. While not everyone speaks this language, English is truly a dominant language spoken by millions around the world. Experts say that about a third of the world’s population speak English as their first language, and many more study it as a second language. What made English spread beyond the limits of the British Isles and become such an important player in global communication? The answer begins with a look at the original speakers of the language, English.

English rule in the 19th century

In the 19th century, the British Empire was truly a global empire. As some said at the time, “the sun never sets on the British Empire.” Great Britain had colonies on every continent, and the language of trade in those areas was English. By the end of the 19th century, the reach of the British Empire was global, and the language was becoming global as well. This influence continued into the 1900s, and by 1922 the British Empire had influence over around 458 million people, about a quarter of the world’s population at the time, which meant that knowing English was important.

The rise of the United States as a world power

Although it is a relatively young country in light of world history, the United States has become a world superpower, specifically after World War II. The United States has a hand in politics, economics, and culture throughout the world. As such, English is becoming increasingly important as a global language. When you add America’s influence on today’s global economy to Britain’s current and historical influence, understanding English becomes almost essential to conducting business in today’s economic marketplace.

English is the language of technology and science

As you browse the World Wide Web, you will find that most websites are in English or have an English translation available. This shows how influential English is in the world of technology. Since many of the technological devices created around the world are heavily marketed in the United States, they are designed with English-speaking users in mind. You can see this on the computer keyboard layout. Most standard keyboards contain the standard letters of the English alphabet, which is further proof that English is the language of technology.

Also, English is the language of science. The Science Citation Index reports that more than 95 percent of all its papers are English-language papers, even though most of them are written by non-native English speakers. The medical community also uses English as a unifying language, so it is essential for doctors to learn if they want to be able to read reports and magazines on the latest medical advances.

English is the language of international organizations

When several countries come together, they must choose a language to speak. Often the chosen language is English. The official language of the United Nations, for example, is English. The same is true for the International Olympic Committee. At the Olympic Games, announcements are made in the language of the host country and in English. English is also one of the official languages ​​of the European Union.

Other uses of English make it have a global impact

English is the international language of many industries, including banking, IT, business, diplomacy, and even entertainment. An international treaty intended to facilitate communication made English the official language of aviation and maritime activities.

The list of industries or functions where English is one of the main languages ​​spoken is truly endless. The simple fact is that since the late 1800s, English has been spoken in more parts of the world than any other language, and that fact, along with the economic and political power of the United States and Great Britain, means that English will continue to have a massive impact on the global economy well into the future.

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