Learn in this hall, List of Countries in Asia that Speak English or used as an official language. Discover how English functions in education, government, and daily life across Asia.
List of Countries in Asia That Speak English
Table of Contents
- Introduction to List of Countries in Asia that Speak English
- The Role of English in Asia
- Countries in Asia That Use English Officially
- Countries Where English is Widely Spoken but Not Official
- Importance of English in Asian Societies
- Summary Table
- Conclusion
- Revision Questions and Answers
Introduction to List of Countries in Asia that Speak English
Asia is the most linguistically diverse continent in the world. Although hundreds of indigenous languages are spoken across the region, English has emerged as a global language in many Asian countries. In some nations, it is an official language, while in others, it serves as a second language used in business, education, or international communication. This article focuses on the list of Asian countries where English is spoken, either officially or widely in practice.
The Role of English in Asia
The use of English in Asia is rooted in several historical, political, and economic factors:
- Colonial history (e.g., British rule in India, Malaysia, and Singapore)
- Globalization and international trade
- Education systems influenced by the West
- Technology and the internet
English is often seen as a bridge language, especially in multilingual societies where no single native language is dominant nationwide.
Countries in Asia That Use English Officially
These countries have English as an official language either on its own or alongside others:
| Country | Status of English |
|---|---|
| India | Associate official language with Hindi |
| Pakistan | Co-official with Urdu |
| Philippines | Co-official with Filipino |
| Singapore | One of four official languages |
| Malaysia | Widely used in government and education, not official |
| Bangladesh | Not official, but extensively used in higher education |
| Sri Lanka | Recognized as a link language with Sinhala and Tamil |
Note: While Malaysia and Bangladesh do not legally designate English as an official language, it is often used officially in legal, academic, and business settings.
Countries Where English is Widely Spoken but Not Official
In these Asian countries, English is not an official language but is widely used or understood, especially in urban areas, education, tourism, and business:
| Country | English Usage |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Widely spoken in business, tourism, and education |
| Israel | Commonly spoken, especially in international settings |
| Nepal | Used in higher education and by the elite |
| Jordan | English taught in schools and used professionally |
| Lebanon | English is widely spoken alongside Arabic and French |
| South Korea | Increasingly taught and used in education and media |
| Japan | Used in tourism, universities, and some workplaces |
| Thailand | Widely used in tourism and international business |
| Vietnam | English is taught and growing as a second language |
| Indonesia | Growing second-language usage in cities and schools |
Importance of English in Asian Societies
English plays a vital role in the development of Asian societies for various reasons:
- Education: English is often the medium of instruction in universities.
- International Relations: Used in diplomacy and foreign trade.
- Technology & Innovation: Much of global tech communication happens in English.
- Tourism: English enables communication with global tourists.
- Employment Opportunities: English-speaking skills increase job competitiveness.
Summary Table
List of Countries in Asia that Speak English
| Category | Countries |
|---|---|
| Official Language | India, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore |
| Co-Official/Link Language | Sri Lanka, Malaysia (de facto), Bangladesh (widely used) |
| Widely Spoken (Not Official) | UAE, Nepal, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia |
Revision Questions and Answers
1. Name three Asian countries where English is an official language.
India, Philippines, Pakistan.
2. Is English an official language in Singapore?
Yes, along with Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin.
3. Mention two Asian countries where English is widely spoken but not official.
Thailand and Vietnam.
4. Why is English important in many Asian countries?
It supports education, tourism, business, diplomacy, and international communication.
5. What is the status of English in Malaysia?
It is not an official language but is widely used in education, business, and administration.
READ ALSO – Official Languages of Asian Countries | Complete List
Conclusion on the List of Countries in Asia that Speak English
The use of English in Asia reflects the continent’s dynamic adaptation to globalization and modern communication. Whether as an official language or a widely spoken second language, English remains a powerful tool for education, international trade, diplomacy, and cross-cultural exchange. Understanding the spread and role of English in Asia can help in travel, business, and academic planning.