In today’s interconnected world, effective communication in English is more crucial than ever. As educators and language learners seek to measure and improve English proficiency, a resource like the Global Scale of English (GSE) offers a valuable framework for assessment. This blog post will explore how the GSE can be used to assess listening skills, providing insights into how it also helps tailor instruction and support language development.

For listening skills, the GSE focuses on how well learners can understand spoken English in different contexts. It assesses comprehension at varying levels of complexity:

Understanding simple information: At lower levels, learners are expected to understand basic information, such as simple instructions or everyday topics. The GSE provides learning objectives for how well learners can grasp essential details.

Understanding main ideas: As proficiency grows, learners should be able to identify main ideas and key points in more complex spoken texts, such as conversations and broadcasts. The GSE outlines how well learners can extract important information from various sources.

Understanding detailed information: At advanced levels, learners are expected to comprehend detailed and nuanced information, including implicit meaning and speaker intent. The GSE describes the level of detail and depth of understanding required at these stages.

The GSE also shows how students engage in different operations of listening, from global comprehension, recognizing information and identifying specific information to extracting information. By taking this into account, teachers can monitor students’ progress and assess their listening skills. An example will show this in action.

Let’s consider a level, say GSE 30-35 (equivalent to low A2 on the CEFR) and focus on how students process information. When checking a listening activity, rather than simply focusing on whether the answers are correct or incorrect, we can analyze our learners using the GSE and see what progress they are making and what we need to do as teachers to help them move on. Heres how:

Ever wondered why Monday is called Monday or how Wednesday got its name? The names of the days of the week in English have fascinating origins, rooted in ancient history and steeped in mythology. Understanding these origins not only enriches our language ability but also provides intriguing insights into cultural heritage.

Have you ever wondered which world languages are spoken by the largest number of people globally? Whether you’re a language enthusiast or someone looking to learn a new language, understanding the most spoken languages around the world can be incredibly insightful. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top languages by number of speakers, shedding light on languages with the most native speakers and widely spoken languages globally.

Introduction to spoken languages

Spoken languages are a vital part of human communication, culture and identity. With over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, each language has its unique characteristics, nuances and significance. Understanding the most spoken languages globally provides valuable insights into geopolitics, economics and social dynamics. In this article, we will explore the top languages spoken in the world, their distribution and use.

Why knowing the most spoken languages matters

Knowing which languages are most popular worldwide can influence your language learning decisions. Enhancing your language skills in these widely spoken languages can significantly boost your communication abilities and cultural understanding. It can open up opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange. Additionally, understanding global language popularity can give you a broader perspective of the world’s linguistic diversity.

Criteria for measuring language popularity

Measuring language popularity is a complex task that involves various factors, including the number of native speakers, global influence, and use as a second or foreign language. The criteria for measuring language popularity include:

• Number of native speakers: This refers to the number of people who speak a language as their first or native language. Languages with the highest number of native speakers often have a significant cultural and historical impact.

• Global influence: This measures the extent to which a language is used in international communication, business, science and diplomacy. Languages with a broad global influence are often used as lingua francas in various regions.

• Use as a second or foreign language: This considers the number of people who speak a language as a second language or foreign language. Languages that are widely taught and learned around the world tend to have a larger speaking population.

By considering these criteria, we can better understand why certain languages are more prominent and widely spoken globally.

Top 10 most spoken languages in the world

Here’s a closer look at the ten most spoken languages by number of speakers:

When evaluating these languages, it's important to consider not just the number of native speakers but also the total number of language speakers, including those who speak it as a second language.

1. English

Speakers: Approximately 1.5 billion

Native speakers: Around 360 million

Regions: Widely spoken in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Highlights: English is the most widely spoken language worldwide when combining native and non-native speakers. It's the primary language in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. English is the dominant language in international business, science and technology.

2. Mandarin Chinese

Speakers: Over 1.1 billion

Native speakers: About 920 million

Regions: Mainly in China, Taiwan and Singapore

Highlights: Mandarin is the language with the largest number of native speakers. It's one of the six official languages of the United Nations and has a significant cultural and historical importance.

3. Hindi

Speakers: Around 600 million

Native speakers: Approximately 341 million

Regions: Predominantly in India and Nepal

Highlights: Hindi is predominantly spoken in India and Nepal, with approximately 341 million native speakers. It is one of the official languages of India and is spoken by a large portion of the Indian population. It has numerous dialects and is written in the Devanagari script.

4. Spanish

Speakers: Approximately 560 million

Native speakers: About 460 million

Regions: Spain, Latin America and parts of the United States

Highlights: Spanish is the official language in 21 countries and is widely spoken in the Americas. In many of these countries, Spanish serves as the national language, playing a crucial role in government, education and media. It’s known for its rich literature and cultural heritage.

5. French

Speakers: Around 280 million

Native speakers: About 77 million

Regions: France, parts of Africa, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland

Highlights: French is another of the six official languages of the United Nations. It's widely used in international diplomacy and has a significant number of speakers in Africa due to France's colonial history.

6. Arabic

Speakers: Approximately 270 million

Native speakers: Around 310 million

Regions: Middle East and North Africa

Highlights: Arabic is a central Semitic language that is the liturgical language of Islam. It has many dialects, with Modern Standard Arabic being used in formal settings and media. Arabic has numerous spoken forms, with significant variations in dialects across different regions.

7. Bengali

Speakers: Around 265 million

Native speakers: About 230 million

Regions: Bangladesh and parts of India

Highlights: Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and the second most spoken language in India. Alongside other languages like Hindi and Urdu, Bengali plays a crucial role in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. It’s known for its rich literary tradition.

8. Portuguese

Speakers: Approximately 220 million

Native speakers: Around 220 million

Regions: Brazil, Portugal and parts of Africa

Highlights: Portuguese is mainly spoken in Brazil, which is the largest Portuguese-speaking country. It has a growing number of speakers in Africa.

9. Russian

Speakers: Around 258 million

Native speakers: Approximately 154 million

Regions: Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Highlights: Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is widely spoken in the former Soviet Union countries.

10. Japanese

Speakers: Approximately 128 million

Native speakers: Around 128 million

Regions: Japan

Highlights: Japanese is predominantly spoken in Japan and is known for its three writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. It has a rich cultural history and is influential in technology and entertainment.

Conclusion

Understanding the most spoken languages in the world can provide valuable insights for language learners. Developing strong language skills in these world languages can open up numerous opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange. Whether you’re looking to enhance your travel experiences, broaden your cultural horizons, or improve your career prospects, learning one of these widely spoken languages could be a significant advantage.

Ready to start your language learning journey? Learn a new language with Mondly by Pearson.

Ehsan Gorji is an Iranian teacher and educator with 18 years of experience in English language education. He collaborates on various ELT projects with different language schools around the globe. Ehsan currently owns and manages THink™ Languages and also works as a TED-Ed Student Talks Leader.

Learning has always been an interesting topic to explore in the language education industry. Every week, a lot of webinars are delivered on how learning another language could be more successful, lots of articles are written on how to maximize learning, and many discussions take place between teaching colleagues about how they could surprise their language learners with more amazing tasks and games. In our lesson plans, too, we put learners into focus and try to write learning objectives that will benefit them in the real world.

Mastering a new language can be a game-changer for your career. Whether it's for expanding your professional network, exploring new job opportunities, or simply enhancing your cognitive skills, learning a language is an invaluable investment. But how can you juggle language learning with a demanding full-time job? Here are some practical tips designed for busy professionals.

1. Set clear goals

Before you start, it's crucial to set clear, achievable goals. Whether you aim to hold basic conversations, read professional documents, or become fluent, having a specific target will keep you motivated and focused.

2. Integrate learning into your daily routine

Finding time to study can be challenging, but integrating language learning into your daily routine can make it more manageable:

• Commute time: Use your commute to listen to language podcasts or audiobooks.
• Lunch breaks: Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your lunch break to review vocabulary or grammar.
• Evening wind-down: Spend 10 minutes before bed practicing speaking or writing.

3. Use online resources

Modern technology provides a plethora of tools to help you learn a new language without disrupting your schedule:

• Language learning apps: Apps like Mondly by Pearson allow you to practice during your commute or lunch break.
• Podcasts and audiobooks: Listen to language lessons during your commute or workout.
• Online courses:  Many websites offer structured courses that you can complete at your own pace.

4. Stay motivated

Staying motivated is crucial to your success. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the benefits of being multilingual:

• Track your progress: Keep a journal of your language learning milestones and achievements.
• Find a study buddy: Partner with a colleague or friend who is also learning the language to keep each other accountable.
• Reward yourself: Treat yourself when you reach your language learning goals.

5. Explore company resources

Some companies offer resources or discounted access for learning. It's always worthwhile to check if your employer provides:

• Language classes: On-site or online language classes.
• Learning platforms: Subscriptions to language learning platforms.
• Education reimbursement: Financial assistance for language courses as part of professional development.

6. Use your work environment

If your workplace has international colleagues, take advantage of this opportunity to practice. Try to speak with them in their first language or ask for help with pronunciation and vocabulary. Not only will this provide real-world practice, but it will also strengthen your professional relationships.

7. Be consistent and patient

Consistency is key when learning a new language:

• Daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
• Patience: Language learning is a gradual process. Celebrate small milestones and remain patient with your progress.

Balancing a full-time job with language learning is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. By setting clear goals, integrating learning into your routine, leveraging technology, practicing consistently, engaging with native speakers, making learning fun and staying motivated, you can achieve fluency without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. Ready to start your language learning journey? Take the first step today and open a world of new opportunities.

Donatella Fitzgerald is a teacher, teacher trainer, and trained to teach the MISP Mindfulness in Schools Project (from pre-school to teens) and has completed Module 1 on the Teacher Training Pathway with the Mindfulness Network in collaboration with Bangor University. Her specialist interest areas are Extensive Reading Projects, CLIL, Citizenship, Mindfulness, Plurilingualism and Artificial Intelligence in Education.  In her current role as ELL Consultant at Pearson in Italy she works with teachers and students every day to find solutions to help them achieve their teaching and learning goals. In 2024, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to English Education and Youth Engagement.

The first weeks back at school after a break can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh challenges, and opportunities for growth. Prioritizing wellbeing during this period is crucial for a smooth transition and long-term success. Students may be feeling anxious and unsettled due to starting a new school year, or even a new school. In today's fast-paced academic environment, maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health is more crucial than ever. Here are some tips to help your students stay balanced and thrive throughout the school year.

Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to new cultures, enhancing career opportunities and providing cognitive benefits. However, many myths about language learning can discourage potential learners or lead them astray. Today, we're debunking seven common language learning myths to help you on your linguistic journey.

Myth 1: "You need to start young to be fluent"

Truth:

It's never too late to learn a new language. While children may pick up accents and intonation more easily, adults often have the advantage of better-developed cognitive skills and life experiences that can aid in understanding complex grammar and vocabulary. Numerous studies have shown that adults can achieve fluency with dedication and the right learning strategies.

Myth 2: "You have to live in a country to learn the language"

Truth:

Thanks to technology, you can immerse yourself in a new language without leaving your home. Tools like language learning apps, online courses, virtual tutors and even social media can provide ample opportunities for practice and immersion. Living in a country where the language is spoken can be beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

Myth 3: "You must be naturally gifted to learn languages"

Truth:

Language learning is less about innate talent and more about consistent practice and effective methods. Anyone can learn a new language with the right mindset and resources. Persistence, motivation and using varied learning techniques can significantly enhance your ability to learn.

Myth 4: "It's all about memorizing vocabulary"

Truth:

While vocabulary is essential, language learning involves much more than rote memorization. Understanding grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and getting a feel for cultural nuances are equally important. Engaging in conversations, reading and writing in the language can make the learning process more holistic and enjoyable.

Myth 5: "You can't learn multiple languages at once"

Truth:

Learning multiple languages simultaneously is possible, though it does require careful planning and organization. The key is to manage your time effectively and ensure that you are not overwhelming yourself. Using different methods and tools for each language can help keep them distinct in your mind.

Myth 6: "Watching movies and listening to music doesn't count as learning"

Truth:

Consuming media in your target language can be an excellent way to improve your listening skills and cultural understanding. Movies, TV shows, music and podcasts expose you to natural language usage, slang and colloquial expressions that textbooks may not cover. It's a fun and engaging complementary method to more formal study.

Myth 7: "If you can't speak perfectly, don't try"

Truth:

Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to language learning. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice speaking, the more confident and proficient you'll become. Focus on communication rather than perfection, and don't be afraid to make errors—they're your stepping stones to fluency.

Conclusion

By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more people to take up the challenge of learning a new language. Remember, the most important factors are consistency, practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Ready to tackle a new language? Start today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities that come with being multilingual. Explore the benefits with our post, 'Being bilingual can help keep your brain in good condition'.

You’ve done your research and you know that a greater focus on language skills could help you and your organization reach your goals faster and more effectively. The next stage? Getting buy-in from your key stakeholders.

Securing budgets and implementing new initiatives is a real challenge for HR professionals. That’s why building a strong business case is essential. Reliable language testing tools can accurately measure a candidate's ability to use a language in real-life contexts. Assessing language proficiency is crucial for tracking employee fluency levels and ensuring effective communication within the organization.

We are celebrating teaching excellence around the world through the Pearson English Teacher Awards 2024. 

Open to all types of English language educator, the 15 lucky global winners will take home thousands of pounds of prizes, from trips to conferences to the latest language learning software for their school. 

Nominating an educator for the Pearson English Teacher Awards is simple. All applications are made via the awards entry page, and you have 600-1000 words to tell us how your nominee builds learners’ confidence to be themselves in English. 

Here are our top tips to make the most of every word and ensure your entry is top of the class. 

Application tips

1. Make it category specific 

One of the core judging criteria is how well an application matches the category description. 

Educators can be nominated in one of five different categories: 

1. Teaching Young Minds English
2. Empowering Teen Confidence in English
3. Cultivating Lifelong Learners in English 
4. Innovation in English Language Teaching 
5. Rising Stars of English Language Teaching 

Tailoring your answer to the category description will make sure our judges understand exactly why your nominee is the perfect winner. 

For a detailed description of each of the categories, take a look at our recent blog post.

2. Focus on confidence

Learning a language isn’t just about knowing the vocabulary or understanding the grammar; it’s about having the confidence to go out there and use your newfound skills to unlock a world of opportunities. 

But feeling confident in something you’re still learning is hard. Anyone that’s learnt a language has experienced those dips in motivation and confidence when you come across a topic that doesn’t come naturally to you. 

That’s where a great teacher can make all the difference. The right support and encouragement combined with innovative teaching techniques can help learners protect and even build their confidence in challenging moments. 

That confidence is what transforms language learning from just communicating to feeling able to really be yourself in English. And when you’re able to do that, great opportunities come your way. 

Our judges are looking for nominations that understand the connection between confidence and self-expression and the impact that can have on learners’ lives. 

3. Demonstrate your impact

Including relevant data and examples in your application will help judges understand the impact your nominee has had. 

This might include data such as internal or external test results, as well as how those results have changed during that teacher’s tenure. 

Evidence doesn’t have to mean numbers. Judges also welcome anecdotes and examples that describe the impact an educator has had on learners’ confidence. 

The judging process

Nominations can be submitted between 15th August and midnight (CST) on 1st November. 

After that date, all entries will be reviewed and a shortlist submitted to our expert judges. 

There are two to three judges for each category who will independently review and shortlist nominees before collectively awarding a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in their category. 

Shortlisted entries will be contacted by our team and announced at the Pearson Teacher Awards ceremony on November 21st 2024. 

Meet the judges

From Argentina to Algeria, Italy to Germany, Pearson English Teacher Award 2024 judges come from all over the world. 

Many have years of ELT teaching experience, as well as expertise from academia and business. 

Here are just three of our expert judges: 

• Belgin Elmas: Head of the English Language Teaching Department at TED University in Ankara, Belgin is a professor with more than 34 years of teaching experience. 
• Dr Silvia Minardi: President of Lingua e Nuova Didattica and Vice President of Aermigo. Dr Minardi has extensive experience in CLIL training, collaborating with the ECML and the Council of Europe.
• Dr Renata Condi: An experienced teacher, development professional, and course book author, Dr Condi holds a PhD and MA in Applied Linguistics and an MBA in School Management. 

The prizes

With a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in each of the five categories, there are 15 chances for educators and their schools to win. 

Gold winners will receive a trip to a regional professional conference, including flight and hotel, as well as up to £500 in credit for professional development. 

Their school will win annual licenses to top language learning app, Mondly by Pearson as well as a course, assessment, and certification bundle valued at £1000 

Silver and Bronze winners will take home top prizes too, with £250 in credit towards their professional development and up to 500 Mondly by Pearson licenses for their school to continue their good work building learners’ confidence in English. 

Ready to make your nomination? Visit this page and tell us about the amazing work your nominee’s been doing.