Ethnologue data). This may be a function of a more globalised world and the need for a common language. Interestingly, English is not a rigid language and has various versions across different geographies to help the local population converse more seamlessly.
Over the years, over 900 words of Indian origin have been added to the Oxford English dictionary, along with words from other languages – underlining the truly global nature of the English language. Local variations of the language such as Hinglish (a blend of Hindi and English in India), Singlish (in Singapore, incorporating Chinese and Malay) and Nigerian English (in both Standard and Pidgin versions) have developed as local lingua francas, enabling greater collaboration. The importance of English as an important 21st century skill cannot be denied.
A majority of the global websites include content in English for a global audience. The advent of Gen AI has simplified building AI Tools using prompts in English, removing the need to code in machine languages. It is safe to say that most would benefit from having English speaking skills rather than not have them at all.In today's highly competitive job market, proficiency in the English language has emerged as a critical factor for professional success and advancement.
Insights from the British Council's ‘Future of English: Global Perspectives’ report shed light on the significant impact of English language proficiency on employment opportunities worldwide. According to the report, English proficiency is strongly correlated with increased job prospects and career growth. Employers across industries value candidates who possess strong English skills, as it enables effective communication in diverse work environments.
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