The English effect: the impact of English, what it's worth to the UK and why it matters to the world

English is spoken at a useful level by a quarter of the world population. Combining first-hand testimony and quantitative data, this report explores many facets of this global language: its characteristics and the dynamics of native and non-native use of English; the impact that English language skills have on people's lives, educational and employment prospects, and on societal stability; and the economic value of English to the UK. English has huge economic value - for the UK it supports trade and exports around the world and a thriving English language teaching (ELT) sector at home. It provides a significant competitive advantage in everything from soft power to commerce, to the media, to universities and academia; and delivers a ready and growing global market for the UK's impressive cultural industries. It is a critical component of trust building and, in turn, trade and prosperity. Around the world there is enormous demand and need for English in the state and public education systems, especially in developing economies. The UK is uniquely placed to support the development of high quality English teaching. The British Council believes this is the right thing to do to support improved prospects for countries and individuals in low and middle income countries, and that the UK should respond to this global demand by attracting even more of the brightest and best young people into teaching English around the world.

Summary from publisher's website and edited excerpts from publication. Show less