The future of English as a world language – and the role of testing

In today's interconnected world, English remains the dominant world language, allowing people to bridge cultural and language divides at work, study or for entertainment.  

To maintain its status, however, the language has had to change to fit the needs of those who use it. And that means the way we teach and assess the language has to adapt too.   

In this post, we’ll explore why English is important in the modern world and how demand for it is changing. We’ll dive into the implications of current trends in employment, technology and global mobility, looking at the key trends shaping English and its use in different contexts. We’ll also examine how language assessments are evolving to respond to changing needs.   

Why English is important: the past, present and future

Despite global changes, English is still the international lingua franca and looks set to remain so. It’s key to communication across sectors like trade, academia, technology, social media and more. Its enduring popularity is driven by factors such as education, employment opportunities and global mobility, among others. 

English in the twenty-first century ‘belongs’ to anyone who uses it effectively in any context. This reflects the importance of multilingualism, where English often coexists with other languages in daily communication.

As English is prominent in many fields, particularly in digital, such as computer programming, as well as research and higher education, where academic papers are often only published in English, demand is driven by employers, parents and learners who see it as necessary for career success.

As a result, our Future of English report found the number of English learners will stay stable or even increase over the next decade.[1]

However, while grammar, vocabulary and receptive skills like reading and writing have traditionally been emphasised in teaching and testing, these days employers increasingly want proficiency in all four language skills. However, this and the required proficiency level vary by role and industry. Reading and writing are essential for analysing documents and creating reports, for example. By contrast, speaking and listening are crucial in service industries like travel and hospitality where customer interaction is key. 

Certain high-stakes industries like banking and law also demand high levels of proficiency and technical English. For sectors like travel or transport, however, lower levels of vocational English – especially ‘everyday English’ – often suffice. Similarly, intermediate-to-advanced English is often acceptable in non-English speaking countries, while English-speaking ones may expect higher levels.  

Either way, proficiency is increasingly important at all organisational levels. With this in mind, an emphasis on helping employees acquire language skills could, therefore, assist organisations in attracting and retaining talent. 

As in most parts of modern life, technology is key to the future of English. Assessments are increasingly digital. Innovative new technologies and formats can enhance learning and testing experiences, offering significant advantages for education. 

The role of assessments  

As commented, the drive to learn English often comes from the desire to unlock employment opportunities. Therefore, the needs of learners and employers are increasingly shaping syllabuses and assessments. More and more, English is seen as a communication tool where speaking and listening skills are just as important, if not more, than grammar and vocabulary. Despite this, many traditional tests still focus on reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. This is in part because these are easier to evaluate and mark than listening and speaking. This is clearly out of sync with modern-day needs, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and flexible assessment solutions. 

The introduction of AI in teaching and assessments offers one potential solution: AI-powered tools can provide more dynamic, interactive evaluations, potentially assessing a wider range of language skills more efficiently. For example, AI can analyse speech patterns, pronunciation and fluency in real-time. However, concerns remain about test security and accessibility for those with limited access to technology, as well as the potential for algorithmic bias. For that reason, all our British Council tests are developed using the ‘ethics by design’ approach, where we anticipate potential problems and build the solutions into our test design right from the start. 

There are, however, tests out there that are specifically designed to adapt to changing global contexts and needs. 

Aptis ESOL: a flexible test fit for a world language   

To seize the opportunities offered by learning English, people often need to demonstrate their level quickly and reliably. After all, if you’re applying for a job or university place, nobody wants to wait months for you to provide a certificate. 

We designed our Aptis ESOL test with precisely those needs in mind. 

Aptis ESOL is a reliable, flexible English language proficiency test developed by the British Council and regulated by Ofqual. With accurate results delivered in just 72 hours, it’s designed to allow students, professionals and institutions to improve and demonstrate their English level to meet the requirements of universities, ministries, employers and other organisations.  

As one Aptis ESOL Advanced test taker, a Madrid teacher, affirms: ‘Aptis ESOL helped me to gain self-confidence in several skills, such as speaking and writing.’ 

With competitive pricing and a user-friendly, computer-based delivery model, Aptis ESOL is convenient and accessible for test takers, while offering institutions a flexible, secure solution for certifying English proficiency. It’s invigilated by the British Council or its trusted partners, so the test offers a practical solution that adapts to modern-day needs and local requirements while maintaining global standards appropriate for a world language. It’s also backed by the same research as our Aptis test, which has been taken by 18 million people in 85 countries since its launch in 2012. 

Given all the work we’ve put into developing it, we’re thrilled that Aptis ESOL is now recognised by employers, the public sector and educational institutions in 11 European Union countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain.

English, language of the world 

English looks set to retain its position as a world language for the foreseeable future, weathering the storms of globalisation, technological advancements and changing workplace demands. To do that, however, the language must be flexible and adapt to changing needs and contexts. 

The same goes for our systems of teaching and assessment. Both must evolve to reflect modern-day interests, the ubiquitousness of technology and a growing emphasis on the real-life language and skills required for work or study.  

In this context, Aptis ESOL offers a forward-thinking, flexible solution, designed to meet the evolving needs of learners and employers. For individuals and institutions, it offers a reliable tool for personal and professional development, empowering learners to demonstrate their English language capabilities with confidence and precision today, tomorrow and far into the future.

Want a reliable English test that fits your needs?  

Find out more about Aptis ESOL. 

References 

1. The Future of English: Global Perspectives, Patel M., Solly M., Copeland S., British Council 2024