English

A language of United Kingdom

ISO 639-3

Population

55,600,000 in United Kingdom (ELDIA 2012). Population total all countries: 335,148,868. L2 users: 1,500,000 in United Kingdom (Crystal 2003). L2 users worldwide: 505,000,000.

Language Maps

Cook Islands

Ireland and United Kingdom

Liberia

Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland

El Salvador and Honduras

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Classification

Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

Dialects

Belfast, Birmingham (Brummie, Brummy), Bolton Lancashire, Central Cumberland, Cockney, Cornwall, Craven Yorkshire, Cumberland, Devonshire, Dorset, Durham, East Anglia, East Devonshire, Edinburgh, Geordie, Glaswegian, Lowland Scottish, Newcastle Northumberland, Norfolk, North Lancashire, North Wiltshire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Radcliffe Lancashire, Scouse, Sheffield Yorkshire, Somerset, South Wales, Sussex, Tyneside Northumberland, West Country, West Yorkshire, Westmorland. Many local English varieties around the world. Lexical similarity: 60% with German, 27% with French, 24% with Russian.

Typology

SVO; prepositions; genitives after noun heads; articles, adjectives, numerals before noun heads; question word initial; word order distinguishes subject, object, indirect objects, given and new information, topic and comment; active and passive; causative; comparative; consonant and vowel clusters; nontonal.

Language Use

14,210,000 also use French [fra]. 4,943,000 also use Spanish [spa]. 5,561,000 also use Standard German [deu].

Language Development

Fully developed. Bible: 1382–2002.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about English

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Christian.

Also spoken in:

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American Samoa

Language nameEnglish

Population

2,000 in American Samoa (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 65,000 in American Samoa (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of American Samoa

Anguilla

Language nameEnglish

Population

950 in Anguilla (2004). It is difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Language nameEnglish

Population

66,000 in Antigua and Barbuda (Crystal 2003). It is difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. L2 users: 2,000 in Antigua and Barbuda (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Antigua and Barbuda

Aruba

Language nameEnglish

Population

9,000 in Aruba (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 35,000 in Aruba (Crystal 2003).

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Aruba

Australia

Language nameEnglish

Population

15,600,000 in Australia (2006 census). L2 users: 3,500,000 in Australia (Crystal 2003).

Dialects

Aboriginal English, Australian Standard English, Neo-Nyungar (Noogar, Noonga, Noongar).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Minor regional dialect differences. Neo-Nyungar is the community dialect of the Nyungar people.

View other languages of Australia

Bahamas

Language nameEnglish

Population

49,300 in Bahamas (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in the Bahamas, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Bahamas

Bahrain

Language nameEnglish

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used for most business communication. Many Bahraini children learn English before Arabic [arb] because it is easier to learn (2004).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Bahrain

Barbados

Language nameEnglish

Population

13,000 in Barbados (1995).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Barbados, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. Christian.

View other languages of Barbados

Belize

Language nameEnglish

Population

60,000 in Belize (2006). L2 users: 56,000 in Belize (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Education, government, commerce.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Belize, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Belize

Bermuda

Language nameEnglish

Population

63,000 in Bermuda (Crystal 2003).

Dialects

Bermudan English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Colloquial English may not be a creole but a regional variety of uncreolized English.

View other languages of Bermuda

Bhutan

Language nameEnglish

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Education, government, commerce, media. Used as L2 by Khengkha [xkf].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Bhutan

Botswana

Language nameEnglish

Population

4,000 in Botswana (2006). L2 users: 630,000 in Botswana (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

International trade, the medium of western influence.

Language Development

Language of instruction from fifth grade. Taught from the beginning of primary school as a required subject. Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Botswana

British Indian Ocean Territory

Language nameEnglish

Population

3,500 in British Indian Ocean Territory (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

The indigenous population no longer resides in the islands. Current residents include members of the United States military, a small detachment of British officials, and support staff, mainly of Mauritian and Philippine origin.

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British Virgin Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

2,000 in British Virgin Islands (1998).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in the British Virgin Islands, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Language nameEnglish

Population

10,000 in Brunei (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 134,000 in Brunei (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1984, Constitution, Article 82(2)).

Language Use

Government, education, and by the educated as L1 or L2.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Brunei

Cameroon

Language nameEnglish

Location

Mainly South West and North West regions.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1996, Constitution, Article 1(3)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Cameroon

Canada

Language nameEnglish

Population

19,400,000 in Canada (2011 census). L2 users: 2,000,000 in Canada (Crystal 2003).

Dialects

Newfoundland English.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1988, Official Languages Act, Ch. 38, Articles 1, 34).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Canada

Caribbean Netherlands

Language nameEnglish

Population

Bonaire 15,800 (Dutch [nld], Papiamentu [pap] and English), St. Eustatius 3,100 (Dutch and English), Saba 2,000 (Dutch and English).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Provisional Official Languages Law, BWBR0028827, Article 2).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Caribbean Netherlands

Cayman Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

20,000 in Cayman Islands (2002).

Dialects

Cayman Islands English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Local colloquial English seemingly borrowed creole features similar to Jamaica and Central America without undergoing creolization (Holm 1989:479–480).

View other languages of Cayman Islands

Cook Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

680 in Cook Islands (2011 SIL). L2 users: 17,000 in Cook Islands (2012 M. Salisbury).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1965, Constitution, Article 35).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

All the residents of Palmerston Island speak a distinctive dialect of English and have close family connections to Penrhyn. The Palmerston residents are descendants of an Englishman with several Cook Islands wives who settled on Palmerston in the 19th century (2012 M. Salisbury).

View other languages of Cook Islands

Curacao

Language nameEnglish

Population

4,100 in Curacao (2011 SIL).

Status

5 (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Papiamentu [pap].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Curacao

Dominica

Language nameEnglish

Population

10,000 in Dominica (2004).

Dialects

Dominican English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Dominica, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Dominica

Dominican Republic

Language nameEnglish

Population

8,000 in Dominican Republic (Holm 1989).

Location

Samaná Peninsula, northeastern Dominican Republic.

Dialects

Samaná English.

Status

6b (Threatened).

Language Use

Also use Haitian [hat], Spanish [spa].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Descendants of ex-USA slaves settled in 1824. Reportedly a settlement of African slaves existed here in the early 1500s. Includes features of creolization and archaic Black English.

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Eritrea

Language nameEnglish

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Language of higher education and many technical fields.

View other languages of Eritrea

Ethiopia

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,990 in Ethiopia (1994 census). L2 users: 170,000 in Ethiopia.

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Language Use

Language of higher education, many technical fields, and international communication. Used as L2 by Amharic [amh], Borana-Arsi-Guji Oromo [gax].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Ethiopia

Fiji

Language nameEnglish

Population

6,000 in Fiji (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2000, Constitution, Article 4(1)), dominant language in commerce, education, government.

Language Use

Also used by many urban Chinese (4,652 in 1976), Rotuman, occasionally by Indians, rarely by Fijians (Geraghty and Pawley 1981). Reportedly a Fijian Pidgin English. Main language of commerce, education, government.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Fiji

Gambia

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,000 in Gambia (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Gambia

Ghana

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 1,000,000 in Ghana (Voegelin 1977).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Ghana

Gibraltar

Language nameEnglish

Population

28,000 in Gibraltar (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 2,000 in Gibraltar (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Gibraltar

Grenada

Language nameEnglish

Population

750 in Grenada (2004).

Dialects

Grenadian English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Grenada, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. In such situations, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the acrolect. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers. Post-creole English with French Creole influences (Alleyne 1985).

View other languages of Grenada

Guam

Language nameEnglish

Population

58,000 in Guam (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 100,000 in Guam (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1974, Guam Code Annotated, Chapter 7, Section 706, amended), dominates in administration, education and media.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

United States military and dependents.

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Guyana

Language nameEnglish

Dialects

Guyanese English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Guyana, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Guyana

Honduras

Language nameEnglish

Population

31,500 in Honduras (2001). 22,500 Bay Islands English speakers on the north coast.

Location

Bay Islands Department (Guanaja, Roatán, Utila), and large cities along north mainland coast.

Dialects

Bay Islands English.

Status

5 (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Garifuna [cab].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Some creole influence.

View other languages of Honduras

Hong Kong

Language nameEnglish

Population

187,000 in Hong Kong (2006 census), increasing. L2 users: 2,200,000 in Hong Kong (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory provincial working language in Hong Kong (1997, Basic Law, Article 9).

Language Use

Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Hong Kong

India

Language nameEnglish

Population

350,000 in India (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 200,000,000 in India (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1950, Constitution, Articles 343 and 348(1)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Neither British nor American English but a distinct Indian dialect with its own unique vocabulary and style.

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Ireland

Language nameEnglish

Population

4,270,000 in Ireland (ELDIA 2012). L2 users: 275,000 in Ireland (ELDIA 2012).

Dialects

North Hiberno English, South Hiberno English.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1937, Constitution, Article 8(2)).

Language Use

860,000 also use French [fra]. 301,000 also use Standard German [deu].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Ireland

Isle of Man

Language nameEnglish

Population

85,000 in Isle of Man.

Location

Widespread.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used as L2 by Manx [glv].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Isle of Man

Israel

Language nameEnglish

Population

100,000 in Israel (1993).

Alternate Names

Anglit

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Israel

Jamaica

Language nameEnglish

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Jamaica, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. In such situations, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the acrolect. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Jamaica

Kenya

Language nameEnglish

Population

24,300 in Kenya (2006), increasing. L2 users: 2,700,000 in Kenya (Crystal 2003).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 7(2)).

Language Use

Official language in most transactions. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Kenya

Kiribati

Language nameEnglish

Population

490 in Kiribati (2000). L2 users: 23,000 in Kiribati (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language, should official texts conflict in interpretation, English prevails over Kiribati.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Kiribati

Lebanon

Language nameEnglish

Population

3,300 in Lebanon (2004).

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Language Use

Used to some extent since American University of Beirut founded in 1866. Many English language publications. Language of instruction in some schools and universities. Not spoken on the street or in Lebanese homes.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Lebanon

Lesotho

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 500,000 in Lesotho (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 7(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Lesotho

Liberia

Language nameEnglish

Population

70,000 in Liberia (2006).

Dialects

Liberian Standard English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Liberia

Madagascar

Language nameEnglish

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Madagascar

Malawi

Language nameEnglish

Population

16,000 in Malawi (1993). L2 users: 540,000 in Malawi (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1994, Constitution 51(1), 56(6), 94(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Malawi

Malaysia

Language nameEnglish

Population

380,000 in Malaysia (Crystal 2003), increasing. L2 users: 7,000,000 in Malaysia (Crystal 2003).

Location

Peninsular.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1957, Constitution, Articles 152(2) through 152(5)).

Language Use

Nearly all domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Malaysia

Maldives

Language nameEnglish

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used as L2 by Maldivian [div].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Maldives

Malta

Language nameEnglish

Population

16,200 in Malta (ELDIA 2012). L2 users: 360,000 in Malta (ELDIA 2012).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1964, Constitution, Article 5(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Malta

Marshall Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 60,000 in Marshall Islands (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Language nameEnglish

Population

2,000 in Mauritius (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 200,000 in Mauritius (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Articles 33,46,49), used in education.

Language Use

Courts, road signs.

Language Development

Taught in secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Mauritius

Micronesia

Language nameEnglish

Population

4,000 in Micronesia (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 60,000 in Micronesia (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Montserrat

Language nameEnglish

Population

100 in Montserrat (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Montserrat, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. In such situations, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the acrolect. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

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Namibia

Language nameEnglish

Population

10,200 in Namibia (2006). L2 users: 300,000 in Namibia (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1990, Constitution, Article 3(1)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Nauru

Language nameEnglish

Population

710 in Nauru (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 10,700 in Nauru (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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New Zealand

Language nameEnglish

Population

3,820,000 in New Zealand (2013 census). L2 users: 150,000 in New Zealand (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Nigeria

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 60,000,000 in Nigeria (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Government and education.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Niue

Language nameEnglish

Population

78 in Niue (2004). L2 users: 2,080 in Niue.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1974, Constitution, Articles 23 and 71).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Norfolk Island

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,680 in Norfolk Island (1980 census).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Northern Mariana Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

6,820 in Northern Mariana Islands (2000 census).

Location

Saipan, Tinian, Rota.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1978, Constitution, Article 22(3)), co-official with Chamorro [cha], Carolinian [cal].

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Neutral to positive attitudes.

Language Development

Many students from Asia, particularly Korea, come to Saipan specifically to study English. Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Pakistan

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 17,000,000 in Pakistan (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1973, Constitution, Article 251(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Palau

Language nameEnglish

Population

500 in Palau (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 18,000 in Palau (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1979, Constitution, Article 13(1)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Papua New Guinea

Language nameEnglish

Population

150,000 in Papua New Guinea (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 3,000,000 in Papua New Guinea (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Development

Taught in primary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Philippines

Language nameEnglish

Population

20,000 in Philippines (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 40,000,000 in Philippines (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1987, Constitution, Article 14(7)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Pitcairn

Language nameEnglish

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Puerto Rico

Language nameEnglish

Population

100,000 in Puerto Rico (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 1,840,000 in Puerto Rico (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1993, Official Languages Act No. 1, Article 1).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Rwanda

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 20,000 in Rwanda (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2003, Constitution, Article 5).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

May be more users of English [eng] than French [fra].

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Saint Barthélemy

Language nameEnglish

Population

100 in Saint Barthélemy (2011 SIL).

Location

Port town of Gustavia.

Dialects

Gustavia English.

Status

7 (Shifting).

Language Use

Few youth still speak it.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

English with some creole influence.

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Saint Kitts and Nevis

Language nameEnglish

Population

200 in Saint Kitts and Nevis (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in St. Kitts and Nevis, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,600 in Saint Lucia (2004).

Dialects

Saint Lucian English.

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

An emerging English vernacular on Saint Lucia in a rural area is significantly restructured, heavily French Creole [acf] influenced, English lexicon (1998 P. Garrett).

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Saint Martin

Language nameEnglish

Population

5,000 in Saint Martin (2011 SIL).

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Saint Martin, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Saint Martin

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Language nameEnglish

Population

190 in Saint Pierre and Miquelon (1967 census).

Status

3 (Wider communication).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Language nameEnglish

Population

400 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

Language nameEnglish

Population

200 in Samoa (2004). L2 users: 93,000 in Samoa.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1960, Constitution, Article 54).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Seychelles

Language nameEnglish

Population

3,000 in Seychelles (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 30,000 in Seychelles (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1993, Constitution, Article 4(1)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Principal language of the schools.

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Sierra Leone

Language nameEnglish

Population

500,000 in Sierra Leone (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 4,400,000 in Sierra Leone (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Administration, law, education, commerce.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Singapore

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,100,000 in Singapore (2010 census). L2 users: 2,000,000 in Singapore (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (1963, Constitution (amended), Article 153A(1)).

Language Use

Home, office, church, public institutions.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Sint Maarten

Language nameEnglish

Population

5,000 in Sint Maarten (2011 SIL).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 1(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

When Creole languages exist alongside their lexifier language, as in Sint Maarten, a continuum forms of variations between the Creole and the lexifier language. It is therefore difficult to substantiate the number of Creole speakers and English speakers.

View other languages of Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

10,000 in Solomon Islands (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 165,000 in Solomon Islands (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Solomon Islands

Somalia

Language nameEnglish

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2004, Transitional Federal Charter, Article 7(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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South Africa

Language nameEnglish

Population

4,890,000 in South Africa (2011 census). L2 users: 11,000,000 in South Africa (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1996, Constitution, Article 6(1)).

Language Use

Many second-generation people from India, Portugal, Germany, and Greece speak English as L1.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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South Sudan

Language nameEnglish

Population

Almost no L1 speakers.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2011, Transitional Constitution, Article 6(2)).

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of South Sudan

Sri Lanka

Language nameEnglish

Population

10,000 in Sri Lanka (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 1,900,000 in Sri Lanka.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language, used in government.

Language Use

Government. Used as L2 by Indo-Portuguese [idb], Sri Lankan Creole Malay [sci].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Sri Lanka

Sudan

Language nameEnglish

Status

1 (National). Statutory national working language (2005, Interim Constitution Article 8(3)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Swaziland

Language nameEnglish

Population

7,500 in Swaziland (2006). L2 users: 50,000 in Swaziland (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Article 3(2)).

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Taught in all government and private schools.

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Tanzania

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 4,000,000 in Tanzania (Crystal 2003).

Alternate Names

Kiingereza

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Language Use

Used by some Asian residents as L1. Used as L2 by Asu [asa], Cutchi-Swahili [ccl], Luguru [ruf], Magoma [gmx].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools; instruction medium in secondary schools and universities.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Tokelau

Language nameEnglish

Population

40 in Tokelau (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Tokelau

Tonga

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 30,000 in Tonga (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national working language, considered co-official with Tongan [ton].

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Trinidad and Tobago

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,300,000 in Trinidad and Tobago (2011 J. Ferreira).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language, standard English in writing, education; non-standard English in informal domains, among distinct ethnic groups.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Turks and Caicos Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

920 in Turks and Caicos Islands (2004).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Shifting to a standard variety of Caribbean English.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 800 in Tuvalu (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Tuvalu

U.S. Virgin Islands

Language nameEnglish

Population

98,000 in U.S. Virgin Islands (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 15,000 in U.S. Virgin Islands (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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Uganda

Language nameEnglish

Population

L2 users: 2,500,000 in Uganda (Crystal 2003). Most learn a local language before English [eng].

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Amendment Act, Article 6(1)).

Language Use

All domains. All ages (as L2).

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

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United Arab Emirates

Language nameEnglish

Population

100 in United Arab Emirates. L2 users: Used as L2 for communication among non-Arabic speakers.

Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of United Arab Emirates

United States

Language nameEnglish

Population

225,000,000 in United States (2010 census). Many regional and social dialects. L2 users: 25,600,000 in United States (Crystal 2003).

Dialects

African American Vernacular English (AAVE).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of United States

Vanuatu

Language nameEnglish

Population

1,900 in Vanuatu (1995).

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1980, Constitution, Art 3(1)).

Language Use

L1 speakers are from the United Kingdom.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Vanuatu

Zambia

Language nameEnglish

Population

110,000 in Zambia (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 1,800,000 in Zambia (Crystal 2003).

Location

Widespread.

Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1991, Constitution, Article 1(3)).

Language Use

Spoken as L1 mostly by Europeans. A small minority of Zambian Africans speak it as a L1. Language of Parliament. Home, education, business. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary and secondary schools.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Zambia

Zimbabwe

Language nameEnglish

Population

250,000 in Zimbabwe (Crystal 2003). L2 users: 5,300,000 in Zimbabwe (Crystal 2003).

Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Language Use

Most Europeans and an increasing number of Africans. Used in all or most education.

Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Deseret Alphabet [Dsrt], developed in 1854 with limited usage until 1877. Latin script [Latn], primary usage. Shavian (Shaw) script [Shaw], no longer in use.

View other languages of Zimbabwe

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