Look at this world map. Some parts are in blue, and some are in orange. What does it represent?
M :
It’s showing where American English and British English are taught in schools.
W :
Oh, so most countries tend to teach either American English or British English!
M :
Yes, but besides British and American English, there are also various Englishes such as Australian English and South African English. Plus, there are variations of these Englishes, like Indian English and Filipino English.
W :
It seems that because English is widely used as a global language, as well as the 7 countries where English is the native language (1st language), most people around the world either use English as an official language (2nd language) or learn it as a foreign language.
M :
Exactly! Even in some non-English-speaking countries, a significant portion of the population can speak English. For instance, 90% in the Netherlands, 86% in Denmark and Sweden, and 70% in Finland.
W :
It’s amazing how extensively English is used and learned worldwide!