When we discuss ‘useful’ languages, the context matters greatly. Is it for travel, business, academic research, or personal interest? However, there is one language that consistently emerges as broadly useful in numerous contexts: English.

English has established itself as a global lingua franca. Here’s why:

Widespread Use: English is either the official language or one of the widely spoken languages in over 60 countries. It’s also the most common second language learned around the world. This means you can likely find English speakers in most major cities globally.

Business and Commerce: In the world of international business and commerce, English often serves as the common language. Multinational corporations, the financial sector, and startups frequently use English as their working language.

Science and Academia: English dominates the field of scientific research. Most scientific papers are written in English, and it’s the language of choice at many international academic conferences.

Internet and Media: A significant portion of content on the internet, whether it’s websites, blogs, or social media, is in English. English-language films, music, and books also have a wide global reach.

Travel: Knowing English can make travel more manageable, given its widespread understanding. In many tourist destinations, information is often available in English.

Diplomacy and International Relations: English is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is often used in other international governmental organizations.

It’s important to note, however, that the ‘most useful’ language can vary greatly depending on personal circumstances and goals. Mandarin Chinese, for example, is the most natively spoken language in the world and can be very useful for business. Spanish, with its vast number of native speakers across multiple continents, can also be incredibly valuable. The key is to consider your own needs and interests when choosing a language to learn.