Languages Spoken in South Africa - English

Infomation about the English language, one of South Africa's 11 official languages brought to you by Conference Venues South Africa

English, a West Germanic language originating from England, is the first language for most people in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States. It is used extensively as a second language and as an official language throughout the world, especially in the Commonwealth of Nations, such as India or South Africa.

The influence of the British Empire is often cited as one of the primary reasons for the language's growth worldwide. Following World War II, the economic and cultural impact of the United States increased, and English permeated other cultures, chiefly through the development of telecommunications technology. Because a working knowledge of English is required in many fields, professions, and occupations, education ministries throughout the world mandate the teaching of English to at least a basic level.