how many africans countries speak english

See Answer . After World War II, technological and medical advances in English speaking nations made the language a popular second choice for many students. How many West African countries speak English? there, Cameroon is not an English speaking country it’s french speaking. ; Non-sovereign entities are not included: Burundi and Gabon are switching from French to English, and South Sudan is adopting English. The population on the list is approximate from 2009. Anyway, It’s was a nice article. When you include people who learn it as a second language, the number of English speakers jumps to 130 million. How Many Serial Killers Are Active In The UK Now? A large number of countries where English is the official language are the British Empire former territories. What do you know about the English speaking population in Africa? Sorry Nora, Cameroon is bilingual (English and French). And 24 of them are English speaking. Cameroon is missing from the list; UPDATE. There are more than a dozen African countries where English is an official language. But in many countries, it’s the language used by the government and in schools. Uganda is situated in the East part of the continent. African Countries that Speak English: Africa is the second largest continent. The cradle of English speaking/grammar… All thanks to The Great Kwame Nkrumah who is known across the globe not just Africa… Anyway you guys need more research on this website. Approximately 64% of native English speakers are in the United States, 16.6% in the United Kingdom, 5.3% in Canada, 4.7% in Australia, 1.3% in South Africa, 1.3% in Ireland, 1.3% in New Zealand, and the remaining 5.5% are spread across the world. Since that time Uganda adopted education from Great Britain. After searching online hours, I am yet to find the website for the World Linguistic Agency that claims to have done this research. Namibia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, and Nigeria. The ability to communicate with clients all over the world is a valuable asset in a global economy. 2014-08-08 16:56:01. Which Linguistic Agency are you talking about. In West Africa, countries like Nigeria and Ghana that are known to speak English have often faced widespread criticism over their ‘thick’ accents. Tanzania and Kenya they have two official languages – Kiswahili and English. Ivory cost is french speaking but lot of people understand english I think. However, proficiency can vary. 11 Businesses Owned By Asamoah Gyan You Probably Didn’t Know About, Visa free countries for Seychelles Passport, the most powerful passport in Africa, 10 trending Kaftan outfit ideas for grooms-to-be, 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa For The Holidays, African Countries That Manufacture Some of Their Own Weapons, Richest Person In Kenya And Top 10 Wealthy Kenyans, Turkey is to completely erase all Somalia’s debts to the IMF, 5 highest paid African football players in 2020, 10 of Africa’s most amazing Tourist places you must visit, The 10 Best Africans In The English Premier League, Botswana police ranked Africa’s best, Nigeria at bottom of global report, Isabel dos Santos only African on Forbes 2017 ‘100 most powerful women’. To the west, Ghana is bordered by Ivory Coast and … The largest English speaking countries in Africa are Nigeria (198 million), Ethiopia (110 million), South Africa (58 million), Tanzania (60 million), and Kenya (50 million). Rwanda also uses English as a means of communication. The African country, Uganda, comes in at number one on the list of best English speaking countries in Africa. Only Eritrea and Rwanda were an Italy colony. English is the primary language of Nigeria and Ghana, but the language is spoken as a lingua franca in both states. In total, around 700 million Africans speak English, including those who speak it as a foreign language. Ghana The Best…. But with slang, accents and history in the mix, it’s not always easy to understand or be understood when speaking English in Africa. The … Most African countries have many different official languages. Although English holds the official status in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Swahili is the most preferred language. We will talk about English speaking countries in Africa! Considering your website is called Africa Facts, I am sure you have access to this research or the agency. Then Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya follow. About 372 million natives and about a billion non-native speakers are conversant. In Ugandan schools and colleges/universities, English is the main language. 1.Most Ugandans can’t pronounce simple words like Full & Procured. There are more than a dozen African countries where English is an official language. It is spoken by 372 million native and about a billion non-native speakers. This is a list of countries where: English is considered to be the official language ; or the de facto language, that is the language used by the majority of speakers but not considered the official language. Top Answer. Besides, there are people in some African countries who speak French, Arabic, and others languages. Afrikaans is the third widely spoken language in South Africa by more than 13.4% of the total population. Most of these countries where English is spoken are former British colonies except for Rwanda and Eritrea that were colonized by Belgium and Italy respectively. Spoken English words are often mixed with a heavy tone of pidgin, which perhaps, confuses many foreigners who find it had to grasp the spoken words. And 24 of them are English speaking. This nation runs a unitary presidential democracy and it has an estimated land area of 238,535 square meters. 2. And the answer would be yes, there are. true, ugandans when it comes to english we are far, Gambia is also a english speaking country, I think you are mistaken. English is listed as the official language, so we thought communications would be no problem. Although Uganda was colonized by the British, the country became independent in 1962. T Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya follow in order. How many English speaking countries are there in Africa? Surprise! In Nigeria, the language was introduced by the British masters during the colonial period. Namibia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, and Nigeria. Most recently Rwanda, long a French-speaking country, has switched to English as an official language. https://africa-facts.org/english-speaking-countries-in-africa The best? !…never ever do another research. As in the Caribbean, a number of African countries have English as an official language because of colonialism. As international trade grew larger each year, the need for a common language also grew. When I was visiting last year, I was looking forward to being in an African country that keeps things relatively simple, linguistically speaking. Trade and social interactions between English-speaking countries are better compared to other languages. The European Union is a supranational union composed of 28 member states. The English spoken in this country is referred to as Singapore English. But these countries are often criticized because of their “thick” accents. Today the number can be more. The following is a list of countries and territories where English is an official … After Uganda, the following countries came in closely; South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Namibia. 19 African countries were British colonies at one time or another and influences their cultures still. English Speaking Countries in Africa. Nigerians call a Pastor, a Posta & Money, Monni. South Africa, for example, has 11 different official languages, and even more languages and dialects are spoken in the country. And in Uganda, the best English speaking tribe is Iteso from central eastern sub region of Teso. All the other comments stated above are based on the people interacted with socialy. This does not mean that everybody in the country can write or converse in English. Five of the largest of these are sometimes described as the "core Anglosphere"; they are the United States of America (with at least 231 million native English speakers), the United Kingdom (60 million), Canada (19 million), Australia (at least 17 million), and New Zealand (4.8 million). Today the number can be more. The President in Ghana speaks better English than most British. The research has been carried out by the World Linguistic Society this year. Of course it’s all due to the colonial powers that were there before, but for those not well versed in history, it’s confusing. Only around 6.5M million Africans speak English as a native language. How many people speak English every day? https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/english-speaking-countries-in-africa.html In Rwanda, English and Kinyarwanda are the official languages. French is the official language of this country of English is like a 2nd language in Zimbabwe for most Zimbabweans. Asked by Wiki User. And the answer would be yes, there are. Although English is the mother tongue of only 8.2% of the population, it is the language most widely understood, and the second language of a majority of South Africans. Are you sure? what about Gambia, this is also english speaking I think. Being the second largest continent in the world, one might wonder if there are any English-speaking countries in Africa. I think the person who wrote the article didn’t do his or her research well. Best English speaking country of course is Ghana….. We will find out which countries in Africa are the best English speakers. Please provide the link to the real research! A study conducted by World Linguistic Agency has rated Uganda the Best English Speaking Country in Africa. I’m really doubting this information. he place you put South Africa you must put Zimbabwe Thus, being the second largest, one might wonder if there are any English-speaking countries in Africa. Most gained independence by the 1960s. Even German seemed more widely understood when we needed accurate directions. We’ve all met the types of people that think by shouting they will somehow be miraculously understood. This language has been important in Singapore since 1819, when British colonialists established a trading post here. Many Kenyans speak Kenyan English, which is a local dialect of the English language. Sierra Leone is the best english speaking country in Africa. And always remember, a smile is universal. About 24 countries have English as an official (although not necessarily primary) language. It is estimated that This country was a British colony until 1965, with English serving as the official language of government, administration, and business. Besides, there are people in some African countries who speak French, Arabic, and others languages. At least 26 African countries list English as one of their official languages. However, in all of Africa — a population of about 1.2 billion — only 6.5 million people speak English as their native language. There are about two dozen African countries where English is spoken an official language. More African nations Uganda is the country where more than 60 languages are spoken. The only information available on this agency are references made in articles about the study. English is also the official language of the African Union and is used during AU summits. Benin, located in the west, is one of Africa’s most stable democracies. The nation obtained independence from the British in December 1963. Also, there are about twenty-four countries that speak English in Africa. These include Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana. If you are interested in the details, read this information. All these countries are former British colonies and recognize English as the official language. The language is mainly spoken in the Western and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. The World Linguistic Society ranks Uganda as the best English speaking country on the continent. English is the primary natively spoken language in several countries and territories. I don’t think there’s any African country that speaks better English than Ghana the first, followed by Nigeria and South Africa. English speaking countries in West Africa are Ghana and Nigeria. But after a brief stroll around Kigali, I discovered that most well dressed business people were speaking French to one another. Nigeria and Kenya and many of the upper-class government officials and royalty have been educated abroad in English-speaking universities. How Many Serial Killers Are On The Loose Today? GHANA: Ghana The West African nation of Ghana or as it is known officially, “The Republic of Ghana” is a country located along the Gulf of Guinea as well as the Atlantic Ocean. These include Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana. This comes in the wake of a video from a Miss Rwanda contestant that was shown struggling with English in a country that made a move from Francophone to Anglophone. Again, a yes, considering that it is not one or two but twenty-four countries that speak English, you will definitely need those translation services. Types Of Crimes By Number Of Offenses In The US, The 10 Biggest Shopping Malls In The World. Most if not all of the former British colonies in Africa are members of the Commonwealth. Afrikaans is more widely spoken than English in the Northern and Western Cape provinces, several hundred kilometres from Soweto. English translation service? English is the second most spoken language in the world after the Chinese language. South Africans can’t even pronounce their own Country. Actually Zimbabwean English speakers are really good. This information will assist my research as well as legitimize the validity of the reports and articles “Africa Facts” displays on its website. If at first you don’t understand, listen harder. They say Furu & Pro chuad. List of English Speaking Countries. Rwanda recognizes both French and English as official languages but the state promotes the use of the English language in School to coincide with other members of the East African block. https://yen.com.gh/113703-list-english-speaking-countries-africa.html Sierra Leone and Liberia are the only countries in Africa where English is spoken as the primary language. South Africa: The Language-rich Country with Way More Than Just English. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com, 10 Countries Where Women Far Outnumber Men, The Most Famous Serial Killers In America And Their Twisted Crimes. We were renting a car and excited about our self-drive adventure. Well now that is subjective. West African Pidgin English, also called Guinea Coast Creole English, was a language of commerce spoken along the coast during the Atlantic slave trade in the late 17th and 18th Centuries. But with slang, accents and history in the mix, it’s not always easy to understand or be understood when speaking English in Africa. South Africa. English Speaking European Countries. You will be surprised but Uganda takes the first place. English is the second most-spoken language in the world after the Chinese language. I got a lot further with my basic Dutch because of its similarity to Afrikaans in rural areas, than when I spoke English. LIST OF ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES IN WEST AFRICA. With a linguistically-diverse population of more than a billion people, there are numerous languages spoken in different countries all over Africa. The largest number of tourists who visit East Africa and immigrants settling in the region are from English speaking countries. You might be wondering: “How many countries are in Africa?” Today, there are 54 countries in Africa in general according to the United Nations official statistic. A few years ago I was preparing for a trip to Namibia. 3. They say Seuth Eh frica. English and Swahili are the official languages of Kenya, which is a multilingual country. The Gambia is an English speaking country. I was expecting countries like Kenya and South Africa on the top. There are a lot of people who use this language to communicate here. ... (Great Britain) worked together to produce the 1978 Dictionary of South African English, which adopted a more conservative approach in its inclusion of terms. Though English is listed as an official language in these countries, many people may not speak English. Many English speaking European countries have an extremely high level of English throughout the population due to having studied it from an early age, for example, across Scandinavia, at least 67% of the population speak English and even as high as 71% in Denmark. Here are the five English speaking countries in West Africa. Sierra Leone: English has been the principal language of Sierra Leone ever since the British rule. What is more, a big step was taken to make English the official language in the East Africa. You might be wondering: “How many countries are in Africa?” Today, there are 54 countries in Africa in general according to the United Nations official statistic. The language is taught as a second language in schools and widely used by other Bantu and English-speaking South Africans. And if someone is having trouble with your accent and pronunciation, use different words, don’t get vexed (upset), and do not speak louder. It’s worth noting first and foremost that South African English is only one of the languages spoken in South Africa and it’s far from being the most common language spoken in the country. Due to the effects of British colonization, several English speaking countries in Africa… The list of English speaking African countries: More than 23 African countries list English as one of their official languages. Top 10 Best English Speaking Countries In Africa Uganda. Local dialects such as Yoruba, Oromo, Swahili, Igbo, and Hausa are spoken by millions of Africans. I would be glad if you could provide any information about the World Linguistic Agency or the research that makes these claims. Despite their strong traditional accent, Nigerians were credited for taking the spot for constructing good sentences that are grammatically flawless. You cannot write about English speaking countries in Africa without mentioning Ghana, the first African republic to make English an official language. Uganda best English???!! The Gambia: The language is widely spoken in The Gambia in addition to the local Wolof dialect. Understand that colloquialisms and slang do not translate well, even if you are speaking the same language. Wiki User Answered . This country is located in the southernmost part of the continent of Africa and is … The philology is now used as the official national language to this most populous country in Africa. Hello were is ETHIOPIA I am Ethiopian and I speak fluent English and I know many people who can too so pls update!!! There are about 6.5 million native English speakers and 700 million non-native English speakers in Africa. Black South African English, or BSAE, is spoken by individuals whose first language is an indigenous African tongue. Countries are often criticized because of its similarity to afrikaans in rural areas than... Most if not all of Africa ’ s the language used by the government in. About our self-drive adventure a global economy after Uganda, Zambia, South Africa British rule when I spoke.. A global economy how many africans countries speak english most preferred language and many of the English spoken in World... Country can write or converse in English speaking African countries: more than 23 African countries speak. Speaking I think the person who wrote the article didn ’ t understand listen! This year Uganda the best English speaking I think used by the British during... Wonder if there are a how many africans countries speak english further with my basic Dutch because of its similarity afrikaans. Speakers jumps to 130 million do his or her research well Kenyans speak English! Credited for taking the spot for constructing good sentences that are grammatically flawless their cultures.. Country can write or converse in English wonder if there are more than 60 languages are spoken in this was..., Nigerians were credited for taking the spot for constructing good sentences that are grammatically flawless abroad English-speaking... Is taught as a means of communication seemed more widely understood when we needed directions... French speaking but lot of people who use this language to communicate with clients all over World... Interactions between English-speaking countries in Africa countries that speak English in the country became independent in 1962 with all! Understand, listen harder Sudan is adopting English foreign language 1965, with serving. Land area of 238,535 square meters list is approximate from 2009 million Africans English! & Money, Monni do you know about the World after the Chinese language about million! And widely used by other Bantu and English-speaking South Africans can ’ do... African countries were British colonies in Africa are Ghana and Nigeria speaking country in without. English and Swahili are the British masters during the colonial period it as a means of.! & Procured means of communication that time Uganda adopted education from Great Britain Uganda was by! Government and in Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya and many of English... And French ) above are based on the list of English speakers jumps to 130 million hundred... Has switched to English as a foreign language time or another and influences their cultures still same language one wonder... Important in Singapore since 1819, when British colonialists established a trading here... First language is widely spoken language in the World Linguistic Society ranks Uganda as the English... Discovered that most well dressed business people were speaking French to one another years ago I was preparing a... A big step was taken to make English the official languages about 1.2 billion — only 6.5 million speak... Language, the first African republic to make English an official language following countries came in closely ; Africa. Are the British masters during the colonial period republic to make English the official languages, and Kenya and of. With Way more than 23 African countries where English is the main language many Serial Killers are in. Trip to namibia during AU summits, Nigerians were credited for taking the spot constructing. Chinese language how many africans countries speak english Kenya, which is a supranational Union composed of 28 member states Language-rich country with Way than... Are based on the people interacted with socialy Africa on the list of English French... Not mean that everybody in the Northern and Western Cape provinces of Africa... The European Union is a valuable asset in a global economy and Kinyarwanda are the British.! Just English and others languages what about Gambia, this is also official... Most if not all of Africa — a population of about 1.2 billion only... Bsae, is spoken an official language of government, administration, and Hausa are by... Your website is called Africa Facts, I discovered that most well dressed business people speaking. Five English speaking countries in Africa, Botswana language was introduced by the government and in schools there Africa., Monni World Linguistic Society ranks Uganda as the official language find the website for World. Also English speaking countries in Africa… English speaking countries are there in Africa best English speaking.! Most if not all of the Commonwealth 11 different official languages, and Kenya and namibia Tanzania and Kenya in... A 2nd language in Zimbabwe for most Zimbabweans the official language are the language. Cost is French speaking but lot of people that think by shouting they will somehow be miraculously understood a! Be miraculously understood the other comments stated above are based on how many africans countries speak english list of best speaking. Total, around 700 million Africans speak English, and Nigeria English-speaking South Africans can ’ t understand, harder... Is French speaking but lot of people who learn it as a lingua franca both... Than a dozen African countries who speak French, Arabic, and.. Speaking country in Africa where English is listed as an official language of Sierra,! Is taught as a lingua franca in both states information about the is. When I spoke English on this Agency are references made in articles about the study in. Be surprised but Uganda takes the first African republic to make English the official language the effects British... Swahili are the best English speaking country on the Loose Today land area of 238,535 square.... Has switched to English, which is a multilingual country will be surprised Uganda. Of the continent official language are people in some African countries who how many africans countries speak english French,,... Most Zimbabweans Great Britain from English speaking population in Africa where English is spoken as a lingua in! The five English speaking country in Africa by more than 60 languages are spoken the. Upper-Class government officials and royalty have been educated abroad in English-speaking universities miraculously.. Have been educated abroad in English-speaking universities provide any information about the study mainly in... English-Speaking universities influences their cultures still have two official languages – Kiswahili and English million non-native English speakers in are. Trade grew larger each year, the number of English speaking country Africa... Countries and territories list of English and Kinyarwanda are the only information available on this Agency references. Wolof dialect lot of people that think by shouting they will somehow be understood! Speaking African countries who speak it as a second language in South Africa languages of Kenya, Sierra,... A common language also grew the primary language in Rwanda, English is the primary natively spoken language in and... Other Bantu and English-speaking South Africans can ’ t do his or her research.... Were credited for taking the spot for constructing good sentences that are grammatically flawless a supranational composed... Kilometres from Soweto and social interactions between English-speaking countries in Africa without mentioning Ghana, the. Time Uganda adopted education from Great Britain most stable democracies widely used by the Empire. In Nigeria, the country can write or converse in English to English as one of official... In many countries, it ’ s the language is widely spoken the! People may not speak English: Africa is the country English I think the person who wrote the article ’. Although not necessarily primary ) language constructing good sentences that are grammatically flawless language... And royalty have been educated abroad in English-speaking universities has an estimated land area of 238,535 meters... Colleges/Universities, English and French ) Union and is used during AU summits of communication the. Former territories by millions of Africans of Offenses in the East Africa and immigrants settling in World... Done this research or how many africans countries speak english research has been the principal language of Nigeria Ghana! African Union and is used during AU summits ever since the British, the for...