English is considered the first language in countries where it is the primary or dominant language spoken. This includes countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand among others. English is also an official language and widely used in countries like India, the Philippines, Singapore, and over 50 other countries with a history of British colonial influence.
In total, there are over 60 countries worldwide where English has special status and over 1.5 billion English speakers globally. This makes English one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide.
What makes a language a first language?
A first language, also called a native language or mother tongue, is the language a person learns from birth. It is the language a person grows up speaking at home during childhood and the language they are most comfortable using.
Some key factors that make a language a first language include:
- It is the language a child first learns to speak.
- It is the dominant language spoken at home and used for communication by parents/family.
- It is the language used for a child’s schooling and education.
- It is the language a person knows best and is most comfortable using.
The first language shapes a person’s thinking and development. Research shows that skills and fluency in your native language form the foundation for learning second languages later in life.
How English became a first language
English originated in England and spread across the British Isles. During the medieval period, the English language gained prominence in the British Isles over Latin and French.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the establishment of British colonies and conquests led English to spread worldwide. This was aided by the growth of the British empire and industrialization.
Some key events that helped establish English as a first language globally:
- British colonialism in North America, Australia and New Zealand – The founding of colonies like Jamestown and Plymouth introduced English through settlers, immigrants and colonial administration.
- The Acts of Union in 1707 politically unified England, Wales and Scotland under one Kingdom of Great Britain.
- British rule in India from 1858 to 1947 helped spread English across the Indian subcontinent. It was used as a language of administration, education and commerce.
- The emergence of the United States as a global power in the 20th century amplified the importance of English worldwide.
- The need for a common trade language and advances in technology/communication drove increased use and standardization of English.
Over centuries, these factors enabled English to take root and evolve as the first language of major world powers like the United Kingdom and United States. The legacy of British colonialism also ensured English became entrenched across its former colonies.
Countries where English is the first language
There are over 60 countries and territories where English has official or special status. However, there are a core group of countries where English is spoken as a first language by the majority of the population.
These include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Bahamas
In these countries, English is the dominant language used for government, education, business, media, entertainment and everyday communication. These are predominantly countries that were former British colonies or dependencies where English took hold as the primary language.
The United States stands out from the others as English originated from British colonization but then evolved and developed independently over centuries. The American version of English has some distinct vocabulary and spelling differences from British English.
Here is a brief overview of how English became the first language in some of these core countries:
United States
English was established in the American colonies in the early 1600s. Over the next few centuries, immigrants from other English-speaking nations like Britain, Ireland, Canada and Australia cemented its status. English drove out competing European languages like Spanish, French and Dutch to become the common tongue.
United Kingdom
English originated in England and gradually superseded Latin and French to become the national language by the 17th century. It was spread to the British Isles through both migration and imperial conquest.
Canada
Canada was a French colony but became an English colony after the British victory in the Seven Years War in 1763. English and French are both official languages today, but English is the first language of around 56% of Canadians.
Australia
Australia was colonized by the British Empire from 1788 onwards. The colonizers brought English as their language, which became entrenched over centuries across the continent. Today, 78% of Australians speak English at home.
New Zealand
English became the dominant language in New Zealand after it became a British colony from 1840. English and Maori are both official languages in New Zealand currently.
Ireland
English was introduced to Ireland in the 12th century after the Norman-English invasion. Over centuries, English gradually became the primary language spoken by the majority of the Irish population.
Number of people with English as first language
There are approximately 379 million people worldwide who speak English as their first language.
This is broken down by country as follows:
| Country | Number of first language English speakers |
|---|---|
| United States | 252 million |
| United Kingdom | 59 million |
| Canada | 19.6 million |
| Australia | 17 million |
| New Zealand | 4.1 million |
| Republic of Ireland | 3.7 million |
| Jamaica | 2.9 million |
| South Africa | 4.8 million |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 1.3 million |
This gives a sense of where the major first language English-speaking populations are concentrated globally. The United States alone accounts for over 65% of total first language English speakers worldwide.
Some other countries like India, Nigeria, Singapore and the Philippines also have millions of first language English speakers due to the legacy of British colonial influence.
Overall, first language English speakers make up about 5% of the world’s population. However, over 1.5 billion people globally have some level of English proficiency making it the world’s lingua franca or common language for business, travel and diplomacy.
Dialects of English around the world
There are a number of major dialects and varieties of the English language worldwide:
- British English – This refers to English as spoken in the United Kingdom. It includes Scottish English, Welsh English and regional dialects in England like Cockney, Scouse and Geordie.
- American English – The variety of English spoken in the United States. It has some distinct vocabulary and spelling differences from British English.
- Canadian English – Very similar to American English but with some unique Canadian vocabulary and influences from French Canadian.
- Australian English – This has distinctive slang words and terms like ‘G’day’ and a distinctive accent.
- New Zealand English – Similar to Australian English but with Maori influences on vocabulary.
- South African English – Retains British English influence with some Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa loanwords.
- Indian English – A variety with influences from Indian languages like Hindi, Bengali and Marathi.
While these varieties have differences in accent, vocabulary, and grammar, they are mutually intelligible. Most variations in dialects involve slang, idioms, and pronunciation rather than major grammatical differences.
The rapid growth of global communications, travel, and entertainment over the 20th century has also led to the spread and gradual standardization of general English worldwide.
However, dialects and local variations remain and give English a rich diversity globally. These dialects reflect the indigenous history and cultural influences on English in different regions.
Challenges for first language English speakers
While a first language confers many cognitive and educational benefits, native English speakers face some unique challenges today.
Encourages monolingualism
In English-majority countries, there is less external pressure for native English speakers to learn other languages. The global popularity of English means others are more likely to learn English as a second language.
While not learning other languages, native English speakers miss out on cognitive benefits like improved memory, problem-solving and mental flexibility.
Often leads to poor foreign language instruction
English-speaking education systems often have inadequate foreign language instruction for native English speakers. With most global interactions happening in English, foreign languages get less educational emphasis.
This can make English speakers reluctant language learners later in life due to poor early training.
Can complicate grammar instruction
English has complex and irregular grammar rules. This means first-language English students struggle to learn foundational concepts like clauses, cases, and verb conjugation.
Native speakers know these rules instinctively but don’t understand the technical grammar. This can disadvantage them when learning foreign languages.
Leads to cultural stereotyping
Monolingual English speakers can inadvertently exhibit cultural insensitivity or ethnocentricity when traveling abroad. Their instinctive communication styles may not translate well across cultures.
Having more limited language skills makes it harder to appreciate different worldviews and perspectives encoded in other languages.
Role of English as a global language
Thanks to its colonial legacy and US dominance, English has become the world’s lingua franca – the common language used globally across nations.
The unique role of English worldwide includes:
- International business – English is the default language of business communications and transactions worldwide.
- Global marketing – International companies market their brands and products in English to reach the widest consumer base.
- Popular culture – Hollywood movies, American music and entertainment set global pop culture trends in English.
- Diplomacy – English is one of six official UN languages and used for multilateral communications.
- Academic research – Over 50% of the world’s scientific research is published in English.
- Travel – English skills are essential for tourists and travellers navigating a foreign country.
Knowing English unlocks huge social and economic opportunities. It enables access to education, employment and entertainment across linguistic borders.
Today over 1.5 billion people globally have some English knowledge – far surpassing 375 million first language speakers. Proficiency in English as a second language is often vital for immigrants and minorities wanting to integrate and get ahead in Anglophone nations.
While the global spread of English has advantages like easier communication, it also risks endangering indigenous languages and cultural diversity. However, the dominant status of English as a global lingua franca seems irreversible.
Conclusion
English has evolved from modest origins in England into the most influential global language today. Its rise was fueled by the growth of the British Empire and America’s economic ascendance. This enabled English to put down deep roots worldwide through colonization, globalization and popular culture over centuries.
For nearly 400 million people in over 60 countries, English is their mother tongue and first language. These include the major English-speaking powers like the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand where English dominates government, education and daily life.
While spoken as a native language by only 5% of the world’s population, English has become a global lingua franca and is widely used internationally in business, travel, diplomacy, media, education and technology.
First language English speakers face challenges like cultural stereotyping and poor grammar instruction. However, for millions worldwide, proficiency in English is seen as a gateway to social mobility and economic prosperity on the global stage.
