Danish adults the best non-native speakers of English in the world

Assertion is based on annual English Proficiency Index report released by Education First

Nov 12, 2014

Adults in Denmark are the best non-native speakers of English in the world according to a report released by Education First (EF).

The English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) is based on the findings of a global survey of 750,000 adults across 63 nations and territories. In it, Danish adults take the top spot followed by the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Norway – confirmation that the Nordic countries pretty much dominate.

Some interesting trends
The findings of the extensive report further highlighted some interesting trends.

Worldwide, English proficiency among adults is rising, although this increase is far from uniform in all countries and all populations.

In Denmark, the 35-44 age group are the most proficient non-native speakers, with women scoring higher than men. This trend was not limited to Denmark and is reflected globally.

The least proficient non-native English speakers tend to hail from Middle Eastern and African countries, whilst the countries that have showed the biggest improvement were Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia and Vietnam.

Economic competitiveness link
The report also indicates there are strong correlations between English proficiency and income, quality of life and international trade.

"English is a powerful platform for professional, cultural, and economic exchange," remarked Dr Christopher McCormick, EF's senior vice president of academic affairs, in a press release.

"The EF EPI has inspired conversations about the importance of language education around the world and continues to do so,".

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Danish adults the best non-native speakers of English in the world

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