Referát: English and English Speaking Countries

400 million people speak English as their mother tongue and more than 600 million people speak English as their non-native language. Among the countries, where English is mother tongue belong e.g. the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, the Commonwealth (a voluntary association of Britain and 47 of its former colonies) and many other. In countries such as India and South Africa English is the second official language. And there are plenty of occasions to use English – in administration, business, technology, education, sport, aviation etc.

The English language is of Germanic origin. Old English had many grammar forms, the pronunciation was different as well. But over centuries words have been simplified and in fact have very easy grammar. On the other hand, pronunciation and spelling have become more difficult. Many words can be used as different parts of speech (kiss, smile, drink etc.). English borrowed words form many other languages (French, Spanish, even Czech – “robot”). It is clear that other languages are influenced by the English vocabulary.