English

A language of United Kingdom

ISO 639-3

Autonym

English

Population

58,100,000 in United Kingdom, all users. L1 users: 56,600,000 in United Kingdom (2011 census). England and Wales 49,800,000, Scotland 5,118,000, Northern Ireland 1,681,000. L2 users: 1,500,000 (Crystal 2003a). Total users in all countries: 1,132,366,680 (as L1: 379,007,140; as L2: 753,359,540).

Language Maps

Cook Islands

Ireland and United Kingdom

Liberia

Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland

South Africa: Enlarged area

El Salvador and Honduras

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Classification

Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

Dialects

Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, West Country, East Anglia, Birmingham (Brummie, Brummy), South Wales, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cornwall, Cumberland, Central Cumberland, Devonshire, East Devonshire, Dorset, Durham, Bolton Lancashire, North Lancashire, Radcliffe Lancashire, Northumberland, Norfolk, Newcastle Northumberland, Tyneside Northumberland, Lowland Scottish, Somerset, Sussex, Westmorland, North Wiltshire, Craven Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Sheffield Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Glaswegian. Many local English varieties around the world. Lexical similarity: 60% with German, 27% with French, 24% with Russian.

Typology

SVO; prepositions; genitives after noun heads; articles, adjectives, numerals before noun heads; question word initial; word order distinguishes subject, object, indirect objects, given and new information, topic and comment; active and passive; causative; comparative; consonant and vowel clusters; 24 consonants, 13 vowels, 8 diphthongs; non-tonal; free stress; phrasal verbs.

Language Use

Some also use French [fra] (European Commission 2006). A few also use Spanish [spa] (European Commission 2006), Standard German [deu] (European Commission 2006).

Language Development

Fully developed. Bible: 1382–2002.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about English

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Christian.

Also spoken in:

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American Samoa

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

56,180 in American Samoa, all users. L1 users: 2,180 in American Samoa (2010). L2 users: 54,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Anguilla

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

12,250 in Anguilla, all users. L1 users: 950 in Anguilla (2004). It is difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. L2 users: 11,300 (2003 UNSD).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

89,000 in Antigua and Barbuda, all users. L1 users: 86,400 in Antigua and Barbuda (2011). It is difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. L2 users: 2,600 (2011).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,850,000 in Argentina, all users. L1 users: 100,000 in Argentina (1985 New York Times). L2 users: 2,750,000 (2006).

Location

Widespread, mostly in Buenos Aires.

Alternate Names

Inglés

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. The British came to build the railroads in Argentina in the early 1800s.

View other languages of Argentina

Aruba

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

42,000 in Aruba, all users. L1 users: 7,000 in Aruba (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 35,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Aruba

Australia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

21,900,000 in Australia, all users. L1 users: 18,400,000 in Australia (2015). L2 users: 3,500,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Dialects

Australian Standard English, Aboriginal English, Neo-Nyungar (Noogar, Noonga, Noongar).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Minor regional dialect differences. Neo-Nyungar is the community dialect of the Nyungar people.

View other languages of Australia

Austria

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

6,418,600 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 58,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 6,360,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Austria

Bahamas

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

385,200 in Bahamas, all users. L1 users: 351,000 in Bahamas (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 34,200 (2014).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in the Bahamas, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Bahamas

Bahrain

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

16,600 in Bahrain (2013).

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used for most business communication. Many Bahraini children learn English before Arabic [arb] because it is easier to learn (2004).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Bahrain

Barbados

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

275,000 in Barbados, all users. L1 users: 262,000 in Barbados (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 13,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Barbados, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. Christian.

View other languages of Barbados

Belgium

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,284,500 in Belgium, all users. L1 users: 24,500 in Belgium (2013 census). L2 users: 4,260,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Anglais, Engels, Englisch

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Dutch [nld], Vlaams [vls].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Belgium

Belize

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

240,000 in Belize, all users. L1 users: 184,000 in Belize (2014 UNSD). L2 users: 56,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Education, government, commerce.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Belize, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Belize

Bermuda

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

62,000 in Bermuda (Crystal 2003a).

Dialects

Bermudan English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Colloquial English may not be a creole but a regional variety of uncreolized English.

View other languages of Bermuda

Bhutan

Language nameEnglish

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Education, government, commerce, media. Used as L2 by Khengkha [xkf].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Bhutan

Botswana

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

682,900 in Botswana, all users. L1 users: 52,900 in Botswana (2015 UNSD). L2 users: 630,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national working language.

Language Use

International trade, the medium of western influence.

Language Development

Language of instruction from fifth grade. Taught from the beginning of primary school as a required subject. Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Botswana

British Indian Ocean Territory

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,000 in British Indian Ocean Territory (2004 census).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. The indigenous population no longer resides in the islands. Current residents include members of the United States military, a small detachment of British officials, and support staff, mainly of Mauritian and Philippine origin.

View other languages of British Indian Ocean Territory

British Virgin Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

20,000 in British Virgin Islands (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in the British Virgin Islands, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

144,000 in Brunei, all users. L1 users: 10,000 in Brunei (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 134,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1984, Constitution, Article 82(2)).

Language Use

Government, education, and by the educated as L1 or L2.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Brunei

Bulgaria

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,802,500 in Bulgaria, all users. L1 users: 2,500 in Bulgaria (2016 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 1,800,000 (European Commission 2012).

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Bulgarian [bul].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Bulgaria

Cambodia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,502,360 in Cambodia, all users. L1 users: 2,360 in Cambodia (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 3,500,000 (2016 R. Salin).

Location

Major cities.

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. English [eng] has surpassed French [fra] as the more commonly spoken international language in Cambodia.

View other languages of Cambodia

Cameroon

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

7,500,000 in Cameroon (Pinyon and Haydon 2010), L2 users.

Location

Mainly North West and South West regions.

Alternate Names

Anglais

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1996, Constitution, Article 1(3)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Cameroon

Canada

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

26,400,000 in Canada, all users. L1 users: 19,400,000 in Canada (2016 census). L2 users: 7,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Alternate Names

Anglais

Dialects

Newfoundland English.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1988, Official Languages Act, Ch. 38, Articles 1, 34).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Caribbean Netherlands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,390 in Caribbean Netherlands (2001 census). Bonaire 300, Sint Eustatius 1,900, Saba 1,190.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Provisional Official Languages Law, BWBR0028827, Article 2).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Caribbean Netherlands

Cayman Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

50,000 in Cayman Islands (2012 UNSD).

Dialects

Cayman Islands English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Local colloquial English seemingly borrowed creole features similar to Jamaica and Central America without undergoing creolization (Holm 1989:479–480).

View other languages of Cayman Islands

China

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

10,000,000 in China (2017), L2 users.

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Mandarin Chinese [cmn], Min Nan Chinese [nan], Naxi [nxq], Uyghur [uig], Xibe [sjo].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of China

China–Hong Kong

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,750,000 in China–Hong Kong, all users. L1 users: 300,000 in China–Hong Kong (2016 census), increasing. L2 users: 3,450,000 (2016 census).

Location

Widespread.

Status

2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial language in Hong Kong (1997, Basic Law, Article 9).

Language Use

Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of China–Hong Kong

Christmas Island

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

440 in Christmas Island (2016).

Status

1 (National).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Christmas Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

100 in Cocos (Keeling) Islands (2012 World Factbook).

Location

West island.

Status

1 (National).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,910,000 in Colombia (2015), L2 users.

Location

San Andrés y Providencia department; scattered elsewhere.

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Islander Creole English [icr].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Colombia

Cook Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

17,680 in Cook Islands, all users. L1 users: 680 in Cook Islands (2011 SIL). L2 users: 17,000 (2012 M. Salisbury).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1965, Constitution, Article 35).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. All the residents of Palmerston Island speak a distinctive dialect of English and have close family connections to Penrhyn. The Palmerston residents are descendants of an Englishman with several Cook Islands wives who settled on Palmerston in the 19th century (2012 M. Salisbury).

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Croatia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,060,000 in Croatia (European Commission 2006), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Engelski

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Croatian [hrv].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Croatia

Curacao

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,440 in Curacao (2014).

Location

Widespread.

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Papiamentu [pap].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Curacao

Cyprus

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

888,800 in Cyprus, all users. L1 users: 34,800 in Cyprus (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 854,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Ingilizce

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Greek [ell].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Cyprus

Czechia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,867,200 in Czechia, all users. L1 users: 7,200 in Czechia (2011 census). L2 users: 2,860,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Angličtina

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Czech [ces].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Czechia

Denmark

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,913,100 in Denmark, all users. L1 users: 23,100 in Denmark (2007 I. Larsen). L2 users: 4,890,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Engelsk

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Danish [dan].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Denmark

Dominica

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

63,000 in Dominica, all users. L1 users: 3,000 in Dominica (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 60,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Dialects

Dominican English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Dominica, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Dominica

Dominican Republic

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

8,000 in Dominican Republic (Holm 1989).

Location

Cibao Nordeste and Samaná regions, northeastern peninsula.

Alternate Names

Inglés

Dialects

Samaná English.

Status

6b* (Threatened).

Language Use

Also use Haitian Creole [hat], Spanish [spa].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Descendants of ex-slaves from the United States settled in 1824. Reportedly a settlement of African slaves existed here in the early 1500s. Includes features of creolization and archaic Black English.

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Eritrea

Language nameEnglish

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Language of higher education and many technical fields.

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Estonia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

660,880 in Estonia, all users. L1 users: 880 in Estonia (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 660,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Standard Estonian [ekk].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Estonia

Eswatini

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

68,300 in Eswatini, all users. L1 users: 18,300 in Eswatini (2017 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 50,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Article 3(2)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Taught in all government and private schools.

View other languages of Eswatini

Ethiopia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

171,870 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 1,870 in Ethiopia (2010 UNSD). L2 users: 170,000.

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Language Use

Language of higher education, many technical fields, and international communication.

Language Development

Taught in secondary schools throughout Ethiopia.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Falkland Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,610 in Falkland Islands (2012 World Factbook).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Christian, secular.

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Fiji

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

176,000 in Fiji, all users. L1 users: 6,000 in Fiji (Crystal 2003b). L2 users: 170,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2000, Constitution, Article 4(1)), dominant language in commerce, education, government.

Language Use

Also used by many urban Chinese (4,652 in 1976), Rotuman, occasionally by Indians, rarely by Fijians (Geraghty and Pawley 1981). Reportedly a Fijian Pidgin English. Main language of commerce, education, government.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Fiji

Finland

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,858,800 in Finland, all users. L1 users: 18,800 in Finland (2016 census). L2 users: 3,840,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Englanti

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Finnish [fin].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Finland

Gambia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

41,000 in Gambia, all users. L1 users: 1,000 in Gambia (2004). L2 users: 40,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Gambia

Germany

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

45,865,000 in Germany, all users. L1 users: 265,000 in Germany (2017 census). Based on nationality. L2 users: 45,600,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Englisch

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by German Sign Language [gsg], Northern Frisian [frr], Standard German [deu].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Ghana

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

9,800,000 in Ghana (2010 census), L2 users.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Gibraltar

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

30,000 in Gibraltar, all users. L1 users: 28,000 in Gibraltar (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 2,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Gibraltar

Grenada

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

5,350 in Grenada (2015).

Dialects

Grenadian English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Grenada, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. In such situations, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the acrolect. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. Post-creole English with French Creole influences (Alleyne 1985).

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Guam

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

163,200 in Guam, all users. L1 users: 63,200 in Guam (2013 census). L2 users: 100,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1974, Guam Code Annotated, Chapter 7, Section 706, amended), dominates in administration, education and media.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. United States military and dependents.

View other languages of Guam

Guernsey

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

62,500 in Guernsey.

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2006, Amendment 2, Royal Court Rules).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Guernsey

Guyana

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

680,000 in Guyana, all users. L1 users: 650,000 in Guyana (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 30,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Dialects

Guyanese English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Guyana, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Guyana

Honduras

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

31,500 in Honduras (2000 J. Leclerc). 22,500 Bay Islands English speakers on the north coast.

Location

Islas de la Bahía department: large cities along north mainland coast.

Alternate Names

Inglés

Dialects

Bay Islands English.

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Garifuna [cab].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Some creole influence.

View other languages of Honduras

Hungary

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,980,000 in Hungary (European Commission 2012), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Angol

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Hungarian [hun].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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India

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

200,260,000 in India, all users. L1 users: 260,000 in India (2011 census). L2 users: 200,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1950, Constitution, Articles 343 and 348(1)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Neither British nor American English but a distinct Indian dialect with its own unique vocabulary and style.

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Ireland

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,652,000 in Ireland, all users. L1 users: 4,370,000 in Ireland (European Commission 2012). L2 users: 282,000 (European Commission 2012).

Dialects

South Hiberno English, North Hiberno English.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1937, Constitution, Article 8(2)).

Language Use

Some also use French [fra] (European Commission 2006). A few also use Standard German [deu] (European Commission 2006).

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Isle of Man

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

88,000 in Isle of Man (2015).

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used as L2 by Manx [glv].

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Israel

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

125,000 in Israel (2016).

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Israel

Italy

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

20,700,000 in Italy (European Commission 2012), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Inglese

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Italian [ita].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Jamaica

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

50,000 in Jamaica (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

View other languages of Jamaica

Jersey

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

93,000 in Jersey (2016 World Factbook).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2006, Amendment 2, Royal Court Rules).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Jersey

Kenya

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,700,000 in Kenya (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 7(2)).

Language Use

Official language in most transactions. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Kiribati

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

25,500 in Kiribati, all users. L1 users: 2,500 in Kiribati (2015). L2 users: 23,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language, should official texts conflict in interpretation, English prevails over Kiribati.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Latvia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

914,000 in Latvia (European Commission 2012), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Angļu

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Standard Latvian [lvs].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Latvia

Lebanon

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,715,170 in Lebanon, all users. L1 users: 5,170 in Lebanon (2004 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 1,710,000 (Ramaswami et al 2012).

Location

Scattered.

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Language Use

Used to some extent since American University of Beirut founded in 1866. Many English language publications. Language of instruction in some schools and universities. Not spoken on the street or in Lebanese homes.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Lesotho

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

500,000 in Lesotho (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 7(2)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Lesotho

Liberia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,500,000 in Liberia (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Dialects

Liberian Standard English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Liberia

Lithuania

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,100,290 in Lithuania, all users. L1 users: 290 in Lithuania (2014 UNSD). L2 users: 1,100,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Anglų

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Lithuanian [lit].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Lithuania

Madagascar

Language nameEnglish

Location

Scattered.

Alternate Names

Anglisy

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Madagascar

Malawi

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

540,000 in Malawi (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Status

1 (National).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Malawi

Malaysia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

7,380,000 in Malaysia, all users. L1 users: 380,000 in Malaysia (Crystal 2003a), increasing. L2 users: 7,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Putrajaya, Selangor, and Terengganu states.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1957, Constitution, Articles 152(2) through 152(5)).

Language Use

Nearly all domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Malaysia

Maldives

Language nameEnglish

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used as L2 by Maldivian [div].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Maldives

Malta

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

385,600 in Malta, all users. L1 users: 16,600 in Malta (European Commission 2012). L2 users: 369,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Ingliż

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1964, Constitution, Article 5(2)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Malta

Marshall Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

68,200 in Marshall Islands, all users. L1 users: 23,200 in Marshall Islands (2001 UNSD). L2 users: 45,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

205,900 in Mauritius, all users. L1 users: 5,900 in Mauritius (2012 UNSD). L2 users: 200,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Alternate Names

Anglais

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Articles 33,46,49), used in education.

Language Use

Courts, road signs.

Language Development

Taught in secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Mauritius

Micronesia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

61,320 in Micronesia, all users. L1 users: 1,320 in Micronesia (2005 UNSD). L2 users: 60,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Micronesia

Monaco

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,230 in Monaco (2014).

Location

Widespread.

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Monaco

Montserrat

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

100 in Montserrat (2011 J. Leclerc).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Montserrat, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. In such situations, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the acrolect. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Montserrat

Namibia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

350,200 in Namibia, all users. L1 users: 50,200 in Namibia (2014 UNSD). L2 users: 300,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1990, Constitution, Article 3(1)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Namibia

Nauru

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

11,100 in Nauru, all users. L1 users: 900 in Nauru (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 10,200 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Nauru

Nepal

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

7,002,030 in Nepal, all users. L1 users: 2,030 in Nepal (2011 census). L2 users: 7,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Major cities.

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Gurung [gvr], Maithili [mai], Mugom [muk], Newar [new], Nyeshangte [nmm], Sherpa [xsr], Southern Ghale [ghe].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Second most widespread language in Nepal in popularity, education, and use. Spoken at all socio-economic levels, by both literate and non-literate.

View other languages of Nepal

Netherlands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

15,376,500 in Netherlands, all users. L1 users: 76,500 in Netherlands (2016). L2 users: 15,300,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Engels

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Dutch [nld].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Netherlands

New Zealand

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,970,000 in New Zealand, all users. L1 users: 3,820,000 in New Zealand (2013 census). L2 users: 150,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of New Zealand

Nigeria

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

60,000,000 in Nigeria (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Government and education.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Nigeria

Niue

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

860 in Niue, all users. L1 users: 220 in Niue (2015 World Factbook). L2 users: 640 (2015 World Factbook).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1974, Constitution, Articles 23 and 71).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Niue

Norfolk Island

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,680 in Norfolk Island (2011 census).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Norfolk Island

Northern Mariana Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

53,820 in Northern Mariana Islands, all users. L1 users: 6,820 in Northern Mariana Islands (2005 UNSD). L2 users: 47,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1978, Constitution, Article 22(3)), co-official with Chamorro [cha], Carolinian [cal].

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Mixed attitudes. Neutral to positive attitudes.

Language Development

Many students from Asia, particularly Korea, come to Saipan specifically to study English. Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Northern Mariana Islands

Norway

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,344,800 in Norway, all users. L1 users: 24,800 in Norway (2017 census). Based on immigrant population. L2 users: 4,320,000 (2012).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Engelsk

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Norway

Oman

Language nameEnglish

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Language Use

Widely spoken in the business community. All official road signs and virtually all shop signs are bilingual Standard Arabic [arb] and English, though the number of L1 English speakers is relatively low.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Oman

Pakistan

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

17,014,500 in Pakistan, all users. L1 users: 14,500 in Pakistan (2016). L2 users: 17,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1973, Constitution, Article 251(2)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Pakistan

Palau

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

22,010 in Palau, all users. L1 users: 4,010 in Palau (2015 World Factbook). L2 users: 18,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1979, Constitution, Article 13(1)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Palau

Papua New Guinea

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

3,150,000 in Papua New Guinea, all users. L1 users: 150,000 in Papua New Guinea (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 3,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language. Used as LWC in the southern part of the country.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

40,028,700 in Philippines, all users. L1 users: 28,700 in Philippines (2005 UNSD). L2 users: 40,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1987, Constitution, Article 14(7)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Philippines

Pitcairn

Language nameEnglish

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Pitcairn

Poland

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

12,780,900 in Poland, all users. L1 users: 80,900 in Poland (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 12,700,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Język angielski

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Polish [pol].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Poland

Portugal

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,851,900 in Portugal, all users. L1 users: 31,900 in Portugal (2007 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 2,820,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Inglês

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Portuguese [por].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Portugal

Puerto Rico

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,999,000 in Puerto Rico, all users. L1 users: 159,000 in Puerto Rico (2015 UNSD). L2 users: 1,840,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1993, Official Languages Act No. 1, Article 1).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Puerto Rico

Romania

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

6,240,000 in Romania (European Commission 2012), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Engleză

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Romanian [ron].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Romania

Russian Federation

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

7,572,520 in Russian Federation, all users. L1 users: 2,520 in Russian Federation (2010 census). L2 users: 7,570,000 (2010 census).

Status

4 (Educational).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Russian Federation

Rwanda

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,525,440 in Rwanda, all users. L1 users: 5,440 in Rwanda (2011 UNSD). L2 users: 1,520,000 (Pinyon and Haydon 2010).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2003, Constitution, Article 5).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. May be more users of English [eng] than French [fra].

View other languages of Rwanda

Saint Barthélemy

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

100 in Saint Barthélemy (2011 SIL).

Location

Saint Barthelemy island: Gustavia port town on west coast.

Alternate Names

Anglais

Dialects

Gustavia English.

Status

7 (Shifting).

Language Use

Few youth still speak it.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. English with some creole influence.

View other languages of Saint Barthélemy

Saint Helena

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

5,900 in Saint Helena (2016 census).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Christian, secular.

View other languages of Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,000 in Saint Kitts and Nevis (2015).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in St. Kitts and Nevis, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

41,600 in Saint Lucia, all users. L1 users: 1,600 in Saint Lucia (2004). L2 users: 40,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Dialects

Saint Lucian English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. An emerging English vernacular on Saint Lucia in a rural area is significantly restructured, heavily French Creole [acf] influenced, English lexicon (1998 P. Garrett).

View other languages of Saint Lucia

Saint Martin

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

5,000 in Saint Martin (2011 SIL).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Anglais

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Saint Martin, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Saint Martin

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

400 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

110,800 in Samoa, all users. L1 users: 17,800 in Samoa (2015). L2 users: 93,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1960, Constitution, Article 54).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Samoa

Seychelles

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

34,590 in Seychelles, all users. L1 users: 4,590 in Seychelles (2014 World Factbook). L2 users: 30,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 4(1)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Principal language of the schools.

View other languages of Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,900,000 in Sierra Leone, all users. L1 users: 500,000 in Sierra Leone (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 4,400,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Administration, law, education, commerce.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Sierra Leone

Singapore

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,070,000 in Singapore, all users. L1 users: 2,070,000 in Singapore (2016 census). L2 users: 2,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Dialects

Singlish.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1963, Constitution (amended), Article 153A(1)).

Language Use

Home, office, church, public institutions.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Singapore

Sint Maarten

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

5,000 in Sint Maarten (2011 SIL).

Alternate Names

Engels

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 1(2)).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Sint Maarten, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Sint Maarten

Slovakia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,410,000 in Slovakia (European Commission 2012), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Angličtina

Status

4 (Educational).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Slovakia

Slovenia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,220,000 in Slovenia (European Commission 2012), L2 users.

Alternate Names

Angleščina

Status

5* (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Slovene [slv].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Slovenia

Solomon Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

175,000 in Solomon Islands, all users. L1 users: 10,000 in Solomon Islands (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 165,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Solomon Islands

Somalia

Language nameEnglish

Location

Scattered.

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Some of all ages.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Somalia

South Africa

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

15,890,000 in South Africa, all users. L1 users: 4,890,000 in South Africa (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 11,000,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Gauteng province: Cape Town area; KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces; Tugela river to Port Edward area, and inland to Eastern Cape province; urban concentrations, Johannesburg, suburbs.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1996, Constitution, Article 6(1)), has been designated, along with Afrikaans, as an official language in all 9 provinces.

Language Use

Many second-generation people from India, Portugal, Germany, and Greece speak English as L1.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of South Africa

South Korea

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

5,000,000 in South Korea (2014 The Diplomat), L2 users.

Status

4 (Educational).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of South Korea

South Sudan

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

Almost no L1 speakers.

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2011, Constitution, Article 6.2).

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of South Sudan

Spain

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

10,486,000 in Spain, all users. L1 users: 286,000 in Spain (2017 census). Based on nationality. L2 users: 10,200,000 (European Commission 2012).

Alternate Names

Inglés

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Spanish [spa].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Spain

Sri Lanka

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,090,000 in Sri Lanka, all users. L1 users: 10,000 in Sri Lanka (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 2,080,000 (2015).

Location

Scattered.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language, used in government.

Language Use

Government. Used as L2 by Indo-Portuguese [idb], Sri Lankan Creole Malay [sci].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Sri Lanka

Sudan

Language nameEnglish

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2005, Interim Constitution, Article 8(3)).

Language Use

Only used in government and education.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Sudan

Sweden

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

8,514,300 in Sweden, all users. L1 users: 54,300 in Sweden (2012 M. Parkvall). L2 users: 8,460,000 (European Commission 2012).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Engelska

Status

4 (Educational).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Swedish [swe].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Sweden

Switzerland

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,845,000 in Switzerland, all users. L1 users: 425,000 in Switzerland (2015 census). L2 users: 4,420,000 (2015).

Alternate Names

Anglais, Englaisa, Englisch, Inglese

Status

4 (Educational).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Tanzania

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

4,000,000 in Tanzania (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Kiingereza

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used by some Asian residents as L1. Widely used in education, technology, and the courts, but the government planned to discontinue using English in schools in favor of Kiswahili [swh] in 2015. Used as L2 by Asu [asa], Cutchi-Swahili [ccl], Luguru [ruf], Magoma [gmx].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools; instruction medium in secondary schools and universities.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Tanzania

Tokelau

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

670 in Tokelau (2013 UNSD).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Tokelau

Tonga

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

31,270 in Tonga, all users. L1 users: 1,270 in Tonga (2015 World Factbook). L2 users: 30,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national working language, considered co-official with Tongan [ton].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,300,000 in Trinidad and Tobago (2011 J. Ferreira).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language, standard English in writing, education; non-standard English in informal domains, among distinct ethnic groups.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,530 in Turks and Caicos Islands (2015).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Shifting to a standard variety of Caribbean English.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

800 in Tuvalu (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Tuvalu

U.S. Virgin Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

85,440 in U.S. Virgin Islands, all users. L1 users: 9,540 in U.S. Virgin Islands (2013). L2 users: 75,900 (2017 World Factbook).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of U.S. Virgin Islands

Uganda

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

2,500,000 in Uganda (Crystal 2003a), L2 users.

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Amendment Act, Article 6(1)).

Language Use

All domains.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Uganda

United Arab Emirates

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

73,900 in United Arab Emirates (2016).

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of United Arab Emirates

United States

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

308,900,000 in United States, all users. L1 users: 261,000,000 in United States (2016). L2 users: 47,900,000 (2013).

Location

Widespread.

Dialects

African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Many regional and social dialects.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of United States

Vanuatu

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

125,400 in Vanuatu, all users. L1 users: 5,400 in Vanuatu (2016 World Factbook). L2 users: 120,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1980, Constitution, Article 3(1)).

Language Use

L1 speakers are from the United Kingdom.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Vanuatu

Zambia

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

1,841,400 in Zambia, all users. L1 users: 41,400 in Zambia (2004 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 1,800,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1991, Constitution, Article 1(3)).

Language Use

Spoken as L1 mostly by Europeans. A small minority of Zambian Africans speak it as a L1. Language of Parliament. Home, education, business. Used by all. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Zambia

Zimbabwe

Language nameEnglish

Population Full

5,550,000 in Zimbabwe, all users. L1 users: 250,000 in Zimbabwe (Crystal 2003a). L2 users: 5,300,000 (Crystal 2003a).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Most Europeans and an increasing number of Africans. Used in all or most education.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

View other languages of Zimbabwe

Ethnologue

English

Primary tabs

A language of United Kingdom

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