Parvej Husen Talukder: Created page with "{{Infobox language | name = English | image = English language distribution.svg | caption = Countries where English is an official or primary language | nativename = English | region = Worldwide, primarily in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland | speakers = 1.5 billion (approx. total speakers), 400 million native speakers | language_family =..."

2024-11-04T15:40:18Z

Created page with "{{Infobox language | name = English | image = English language distribution.svg | caption = Countries where English is an official or primary language | nativename = English | region = Worldwide, primarily in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland | speakers = 1.5 billion (approx. total speakers), 400 million native speakers | language_family =..."

New page

{{Infobox language
| name = English
| image = English language distribution.svg
| caption = Countries where English is an official or primary language
| nativename = English
| region = [[Worldwide]], primarily in [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Ireland]]
| speakers = 1.5 billion (approx. total speakers), 400 million native speakers
| language_family = [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] → [[Germanic languages|Germanic]] → [[West Germanic languages|West Germanic]]
| writing_system = [[Latin alphabet]]
| official_status = [[Official language]] in 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities
| iso_codes = en, eng
| script = Latin (English alphabet)
| notable_works = ''[[Hamlet]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]], ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'' by [[Jane Austen]]
| website = [https://en.wikipedia.org English Wikipedia]
}}

'''English''' is a [[West Germanic language]] originating from [[England]] and is now one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide. It is an official or primary language in several countries and a leading language of international communication in various fields, including science, business, and technology.<ref>Crystal, David. ''English as a Global Language''. Cambridge University Press, 2003.</ref>

== History ==
The English language has evolved from Old English, which was influenced by [[Germanic tribes]] such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes around the 5th century. The [[Norman Conquest]] in 1066 introduced Norman French, which significantly impacted English vocabulary.<ref>Barber, Charles. ''The English Language: A Historical Introduction''. Cambridge University Press, 1993.</ref> Modern English emerged in the 15th century, shaped by the [[Great Vowel Shift]] and the spread of [[printing]] by [[William Caxton]].

== Global Distribution ==
English is spoken as a first language by approximately 400 million people, mainly in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. It is a second language for over 1 billion people globally.<ref>Ethnologue. "English language," accessed 2024.</ref>

== Writing System ==
English uses the [[Latin alphabet]], consisting of 26 letters. It was initially written in runes by Germanic tribes before adopting the Latin script during the Christianization of England in the 7th century.<ref>Gelb, Ignace J. ''A Study of Writing''. University of Chicago Press, 1952.</ref>

== Literature and Influence ==
English literature is renowned globally, with authors like [[William Shakespeare]], [[Jane Austen]], and [[Charles Dickens]] making significant contributions. Key works include ''Hamlet'', ''Pride and Prejudice'', and ''A Tale of Two Cities''. English has influenced many global languages through trade, colonization, and globalization.<ref>McCrum, Robert, et al. ''The Story of English''. Penguin Books, 1986.</ref>

== English in the Modern Era ==
In modern times, English has become the dominant language in science, technology, aviation, and diplomacy. English-language media, films, and academic resources contribute to its global influence and widespread learning.

== See also ==
* [[List of countries where English is an official language]]
* [[English grammar]]
* [[Varieties of English]]
* [[History of the English language]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Crystal, David. ''The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language''. Cambridge University Press, 1995.
* Bryson, Bill. ''The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way''. Harper Perennial, 1990.

== External links ==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org English Wikipedia]
* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/English-language Encyclopedia Britannica on English Language]

{{SHORTDESC:Germanic languages}}
[[bn:ইংরেজি ভাষা]]

English language - Revision history