English today is a truly global language. It’s used all across the world, for everything from finance to popular culture.

But how did a language that was once spoken by just a few tribes on an island off the coast of continental Europe end up becoming the world’s pre-eminent lingua franca? And how has the language changed over the centuries as it has spread around the globe? This short animation about English in the world explains all!

English Language – OpenLearn Free courses
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/langua…​

Transcript link – http://media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds…​

Playlist link – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list…​

Study R54 BA (Honours) English Language at The Open University
http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/english…​

Study Q39 BA (Honours) English Language and Literature at The Open University
http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/english…​

The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high-quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple-accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.

Free learning from The Open University
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/​

For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXsH…​