According to Niall Ferguson in his book "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World," English has become a global language. Approximately 350 million individuals speak it as their first language, while an additional 450 million use it as their second language. This widespread usage means that roughly one in seven people worldwide communicates in English, highlighting its significance in today's interconnected world.

This statistic underscores the impact of the British Empire on the proliferation of the English language. The historical influence of Britain in various regions has led to the establishment of English as a dominant means of communication, making it a crucial tool for international diplomacy, business, and culture.