English is the most widely used language in the world. English, a member of the Indo-European group of languages, has flourished into a world language. Spoken by more than 370 million people in the United Kingdom, the United States and the former British Empire as a first language, it is used by 350 million people as a second language in countries like India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Nigeria etc. In some developing countries like India, Nigeria and the Philippines, English is the official language with other languages. English serves its various roles in international communication. All the correspondences and official writings are accomplished in English. English is the language of schools, courts, administration, business, international affairs and Internet. The universities and colleges of Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have English as the medium of instruction. English is also used in the top business schools, medical centers and advanced study institutes of North America and Great Britain. Most of reference books, articles, technical periodicals, scientific researches and reputed journals are published in English to-day. English is the language of global trade, commerce and tourism. English is used for international news, education, technology, economic progress and cultural exchanges etc. Modern technological information in agriculture or bio-technology is provided by English.
Associate Professor of English, H.R. College Mairwa, Siwan, J.P. University, Chhapra (Bihar)
