What makes English the most widely spoken language on Earth?

Answer 1

Great Britain is a tiny country but one with attitude. The industrial revolution some two centuries ago gave Great Britain the ability to travel further than ever before. Ships could travel the world and find their way home again. Industry gave the English wealth and the wealth brought a desire for exotic possessions, food and experiences.

So began the British Empire. The British travelled in search of new foods, new materials, new spices, gold, diamonds, more wealth and new experiences. The British go to be one of the best countries in the world at travelling and quickly reached out to every continent of the world.

The domination of the British was felt in hundreds of countries. Huge parts of Africa, all of the Australian continent, North America, parts of Asia and the Indian sub-continent along with countless islands in remote seas all fell under the rule of the British Empire. The British went for goods and wealth and left behind their language.

The British Empire is no more and most people think of that as a good thing. Trading links were established during the time of the empire and they largely remain today. The empire was dismantled with little violence or bitterness and so the British left a legacy of language across huge parts of the world.

English is spoken in more countries than any other language and all due to the exploration of a tiny island nation.

Answer 2

English is widely spoken due to historical colonization, globalisation, and the influence of the United States and the United Kingdom in economics, politics, and technology. It serves as a common language for international business, travel, and diplomacy, leading to its widespread use in various regions worldwide.