There are a lot of languages in this world - with estimates varying between 5,000 and 7,000 (with over 1,000 of them on the island of New Guinea alone). English is by far the most widely spoken but English is by far the only major language. So if one is planning to travel around the world, how difficult or easy is it only speaking English?
Countless people around the world speak English, are learning English, or want to speak English. Teaching English online is one of the ways one can work and travel around the world.
The Scope Of English
English is actually not the most spoken language by a number of native speakers - Mandarin Chinese has many more and even Spanish outranks English. But as a second language, English has no equal.
- Most Native Speakers: Mandarin Chinese (Then Spanish, Then English)
- Total Speakers: English
Almost every visa application in any country in the world can be made in English, all airlines operate in English, and no language can compete with English with the number of schools and English teachers there are. English is routinely accepted around the world as the "world language". It is normally the language that a Japanese person and a Brazilian (e.g.) would speak in.
English is normally an option on any ATM, is an option for all airlines, is spoken in all major hotels, is the language of hostels, and more.
English also lacks the stigma of being from a particular country. English is much more than the language of the United States or the United Kingdom - it is the world language that someone will learn even though they may not plan to visit any English-speaking country.
- Seen As: The World Language
English is often also seen as a mark of education. Most people seeking a higher education will learn English.
Traveling With English Alone
English is massive and is a truly global language. It is perfectly possible to travel everywhere in the world with English alone. In places around the world with a lot of international tourists, one is almost guaranteed to be able to comfortably speak English.
- Travel: One Can Travel With English Alone On Organized Tour Packages
In short, if one is planning to have a more organized and regular touristic holiday, one can travel with English anywhere.
- Suggestion: Be Polite And Ask "Excuse Me, Can You Speak English" Don't Just Start Speaking to A Person In English
- Speak Slowly: For People Where English Is Not Their First Language, it Is Often Important To Speak Slowly, Clearly, Simply
However, if one is planning to go off the beaten track, do things by oneself, or speak to locals who don't work in the tourism industry, then things are more complicated. In almost any country where English is an official language, it is not necessary to learn another language. Also in much of Western and Northern Europe, it is not necessary.
But in much of Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia, Japan, China, and other places one may find not many people speak English outside of the tourist sector. But as a rule of thumb, one will almost always find someone who can speak at least some English.
Official Language: English Is An Official Language In Almost 60 Sovereign States
- Total Speakers: Some Estimates At Over 2 Billion Speakers
- Countries English Is Official: Includes India, Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Jamaica, Singapore, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sudan, And Many More
Still, that doesn't mean English is universal. It is very useful and even necessary to speak other languages in many countries. Often these are quite specific. In Africa, about half of the continent has English as an official language.
And many people in those countries from different tribes use English as the common language. Tanzania is an expectation, while English is an official language, Swahili is by far better known and most do not speak English. Speaking of Africa, it is difficult but possible to travel Africa on a budget with these tips.
A Little Goes A Long Way
Of course, it is always nice and respectful to learn to speak at least some of the language of the country one is visiting. French may appreciate it if you speak French, Italians may be excited you speak Italian, Russians may be bewildered why you speak Russian, and Dutch may be confused why you would want to learn Dutch.
Often even just a few phrases go a long way. Being able to say "Hello", "Please/Thank you" "How are you", "How much", etc. (with a good accent) may be appreciated.
Tip: As A Minimum Learn Greetings In The Language Of The Place Visited
One useful method of learning the basics of another language is with Pimsular Courses - they are interactive audio lessons that one can play in the car or while walking.