5 Questions
After Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, what is the ranking of English in terms of native speakers?
Third-most spoken native language
What is the namesake of the English language?
The Angles, one of the ancient Germanic peoples
In how many sovereign states is English either the official language or one of the official languages?
59 sovereign states
What are some of the fields where English has become the de facto language?
Diplomacy, science, international trade, tourism, aviation, entertainment, and the internet
Where did Old English emerge from?
A group of West Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons
Study Notes
English Language Rankings and Prevalence
- English is the third most spoken language in terms of native speakers, following Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
- English is the namesake of the English people, originally called Englisc, derived from the Angles, a Germanic tribe.
Official Language Status
- English is either the official language or one of the official languages in over 60 sovereign states.
De Facto Language in Various Fields
- English has become the de facto language in:
- Science and technology
- International business and trade
- Entertainment, such as movies, music, and television
- Diplomacy and international relations
- Education, including higher education and academic research
Origins of Old English
- Old English emerged from the Germanic dialects spoken by the Anglo-Saxons in England, specifically from the 5th to the 11th centuries.
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