The English language was originally formed on the basis of the languages of small tribes. At first small tribes of people who lived in Northern Europe left their countries and settled in England.

　　While they were isolated in the island community, the various tribes used languages that became more and more like each other and less like the other languages of Europe. In the end, the languages they used had so many things in common that a common language was formed which was used by all speakers in England. English speakers have since been increasing quickly.

　　English language has more than 300,000,000 native speakers by now and is far more widespread than Chinese. It is spoken throughout the continent of North America, in the British Isles, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and also the most important language of colonization in Asia, Africa and Oceania. In addition, it is the second language of many countries that formerly had French or German in that position.

　　Today English serves as an international second language in several areas. It has been adopted as the language of commerce, air traffic, and also one of the official languages of the United Nations. Besides, English has become the language of most published materials in the world.

　　更多精彩内容 >> 新东方网英语频道 

　　全国新东方英语课程搜索

（实习编辑：高奕飞）