Global English proficiency insights for business leaders

Samantha Ball
Business people sat together smiling around a laptop
Reading time: 2 minutes

Are you ready to harness the power of English to drive your business forward? At app, we are proud to announce the release of the ?app Global English Proficiency Report 2024, drawing upon extensive data to illuminate the state of English language skills worldwide. This report is meticulously crafted to equip business leaders with essential insights for informed decision-making.

The report analyzes approximately 750,000 Versant by app test results, which were collected across more than 100 countries and encompass all major regions. Using our Global Scale of English, this report underlines key language trends pivotal in shaping global business dynamics.

English proficiency report insights
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree app can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Key global findings

1. Remarkable testing surge yet steady scores

English language testing has rocketed, amplifying fivefold since 2020. This surge, especially visible in sectors such as IT Business process management (IT-BPM) and Business process outsourcing (BPO), underscores Englishs expanding significance in international business. Even with this testing boom, average scores remain consistent, highlighting a considerable and proficient global talent pool.

2. Pronounced regional developments

While global scores are maintained, cohorts in regions such as Africa and Europe have made noteworthy strides in English-speaking proficiency. These improvements mirror the escalating demand for robust English skills within these international workforces.

3. An upswing in writing proficiency

English writing skills are now reaching new heights. The surge in online written communication, driven by post-pandemic dynamics, might be a catalyst for this upswing. Be it in North America's strategic onshore hiring or Egypt's burgeoning BPO sector, writing proficiency is on the rise.

4. Strategic focus on L&D and hiring

Regions such as Asia Pacific, China, the Middle East, and Central Asia are integrating English as more than merely a hiring ingredient. Here, businesses are increasingly propelling language strength through dedicated training programs.

5. Industry-specific proficiency variability

Industry insights showcase crucial skills gaps and opportunities. The communications sector excels in verbal skills, while sectors like telecom show balanced proficiency across speaking and writingeach sector's unique requirements profile opportunities for refined training strategies.

Explore regional trends in more detail

Unlock a world of regional intelligence with our dedicated market analyses. From Indias emphasis on voice-based testing to Egypts ascent as a BPO powerhouse, our report takes you through the unique growth factors and challenges in key marketsIndia, the Philippines, Japan, Colombia, Egypt and Europe.

Get access to these insights and more by downloading the full report.

Connect with our legacy

For a comprehensive view of evolving language trends, revisit our earlier reports here:

Equip your enterprise with cutting-edge insights and secure a competitive edge in the world of global communication. Download the app Global English Proficiency Report 2024 today and leverage apps English language testing and learning suite to support your business growth.

More blogs from app

  • Expressing love around the world: Interesting facts and how to say "I love you" in different languages

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Love is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and languages. For those learning another language, understanding how to express love in various tongues can be both fascinating and useful. Whether you're planning to travel, connect with friends from different backgrounds, or simply expand your linguistic repertoire, knowing how to say "I love you" in different languages as well as the cultural context, can be a beautiful way to show appreciation and affection. Let's take a look at some of the many ways to express this timeless sentiment and some interesting facts.

    1. Cultural nuances:

    In many cultures, the way you express love can carry different weights and meanings. For example, in Japanese, "ۤƤ" (aishiteru) is a very strong expression of love, often reserved for serious relationships, whereas "ä" (daisuki) is more commonly used among friends and family.
    However, French, often called the language of love, uses "je t'aime" to express love as a romantic phrase that can be used for both partners and close family members.

    2. Gender differences:

    Some languages have gender-specific ways of saying "I love you." For instance, in Arabic, "????" (a?ibbuka) is used when a woman says "I love you" to a man, and "????" (a?ibbuki) is used when a man says it to a woman. Similarly, in Hindi, men say "??? ????? ????? ???? ???" (main tumse pyaar karta hoon) and women say "??? ????? ????? ???? ???" (main tumse pyaar karti hoon).

    3. Formal vs. informal:

    Some languages have formal and informal ways of expressing love. In Spanish, "te amo" is more formal and used for romantic love, while "te quiero" is more casual and can be used for friends and family.
    ?

  • Two people playing video games on the sofa together

    How video games help language learning

    By
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    The evolution of video games and global connectivity

    Video games have come a long way since their inception in the late 20th century. From the simple pixelated screens of 'Pong' and 'Space Invaders', we've entered an era where video games are complex, immersive and incredibly detailed. The evolution of video games has not only been technological but also cultural.

    With the rise of the internet and online gaming, players from different corners of the world can now connect, collaborate and compete in real-time. This global connectivity has transformed video games into a social platform, where language barriers are often encountered and interestingly, overcome.

  • Understand your English level

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Learning English as a second language is a journey that can be fun and tough. A key part of this journey is knowing your current skill level. The Global Scale of English (GSE) helps learners check their skills. The GSE is a scale from 10 to 90 that measures English ability. It gives clear information about what learners can do at each level. In this blog, well look at how to find out your English level using GSE scores, levels, and "I can..." statements.

    Why understanding your English level matters

    You may wonder, Why is it important for me to know my language level? If you start studying without knowing your skill level, you might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or find learning too easy and be put off or not make any learning progress.
    Knowing your English level helps you in many ways, such as to:

    1. Set realistic goals: Tailor your learning objectives to your current abilities.
    2. Choose appropriate materials: Select books, courses, and resources that match your proficiency.
    3. Track progress: Measure improvement over time and stay motivated.

    GSE levels and what they mean

    The GSE levels range from Starter to Expert, each with specific "I can..." statements that describe what you should be able to do at that level. Heres a breakdown of each level, along with some practical examples: