In Bill Bryson's book "The Mother Tongue: English and How it Got that Way," he highlights the significant global influence of the English language. He notes that there are more students learning English in China than the entire population of the United States, illustrating the vast reach and importance of English in non-English speaking countries.
Bryson's observation emphasizes the role English plays in global communication and education. This phenomenon not only reflects the desire for English proficiency around the world but also underscores how the language continues to evolve and adapt in various cultural contexts, making it a truly universal tongue.