10 Questions
What is the origin of the name 'English'?
It is derived from the name of the ancient Germanic tribe, the Angles
Where is English the sole or dominant language for historical reasons without being explicitly defined by law?
United States
Which organization considers English as a co-official language?
United Nations
What is the position of English in terms of the most widely learned second language in the world?
It is the most widely learned second language in the world
In how many sovereign states is English either the official language or one of the official languages?
59
Which language family does English belong to?
Indo-European
Who are the speakers of English called?
Anglophones
Which language has the most spoken native speakers in the world?
Mandarin Chinese
In how many sovereign states is English either the official language or one of the official languages?
59
In how many international and regional organisations is English a co-official language?
Many
Study Notes
Origin and Status of English
- The origin of the name 'English' is not specified in the text.
- English is the sole or dominant language for historical reasons without being explicitly defined by law in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and some Caribbean countries.
- The International Olympic Committee, the European Union, and the United Nations consider English as a co-official language.
Global Reach and Language Family
- English is the most widely learned second language in the world.
- English belongs to the West Germanic language family.
- Speakers of English are called Anglophones.
Language Statistics
- English is not the language with the most spoken native speakers in the world (Mandarin Chinese holds this position).
- English is either the official language or one of the official languages in 67 sovereign states.
- English is a co-official language in many international and regional organizations (number not specified).
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