Passage 8 The English Language

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The English Language

English is the most widespread language in the world

and is more widely spoken and written than any other language.

More people are trying to learn English in the world.

English is the language of political negotiations and international business.

It has become the international language of science and medicine.

International treaties say passenger airplane pilots must speak English.

English is the major foreign language taught in most schools in South America and Europe.

School children in the Philippines and Japan begin learning English at an early age.

English is the official language of more than 75 countries

including Britain, Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

In countries where many different languages are spoken,

English is often used as an official language to help people communicate.

India is a good example.

English is the common language in this country

where at least 24 languages are spoken by more than one million people.