2021年英语熟练度指数（英）-40页_4mb

EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2021 Summary

Core Content

The EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) ranks 112 countries and regions based on the English skills of adults, using data from two million test takers. The report highlights the global importance of English as a common language for communication, innovation, and economic growth, while also examining regional and demographic trends in proficiency.

Main Points

• English as a Global Language: English is essential for international communication, access to information, and professional development. It is the most common language for cross-border trade and a key driver of economic and social mobility.
• Slow but Steady Improvement: Adult English proficiency has been improving slowly over the years, with 16 countries moving up a proficiency band and only one moving down. The overall global average has not changed significantly.
• Gender Gap Widening: Men's English proficiency has outpaced women's globally for the first time since 2014, with the gap doubling in Europe. However, in Africa, women still lead in English proficiency.
• Age Trends: Adults over 30 have improved their English skills faster than younger adults. This challenges the notion that there is a "golden age" for language learning.
• Urban vs. Rural Divide: English proficiency is generally higher in cities than in surrounding rural areas. Urban economies provide more exposure to English, thus boosting proficiency.
• Economic Competitiveness: There is a strong correlation between English proficiency and economic indicators like GDP and income per capita. English enables access to knowledge, facilitates international trade, and enhances competitiveness.
• Workplace Relevance: English proficiency is increasingly a job requirement across industries and seniority levels. The gap between industries has narrowed by 20% since 2012, indicating a trend towards more equal skill distribution.
• Innovation and Society: English proficiency is linked to innovation and social mobility. Countries with higher English proficiency tend to be more open, fair, and socially mobile. Conversely, inequality can hinder English learning opportunities.
• Regional Highlights:
  • Europe: Remains the region with the highest English proficiency, with the Netherlands leading at 663. The average score in the EU has increased by six points per year since 2011.
  • Asia: The regional average has remained stable, but Central Asia is the fastest-improving area. Japan has seen a decline in proficiency, while China and India show moderate to high scores.
  • Latin America: Most countries have improved over the past decade, but Mexico has declined significantly. Women's proficiency in the region is still lower than men's.
  • Africa: Shows a highly diverse range of proficiency levels, with South Africa having the highest score and South Sudan the lowest. Algeria has made notable progress.
  • Middle East: English proficiency remains low, with a significant gap between men and women. The region has not seen substantial improvement in the past decade.

Key Information

• Test Takers: 2 million adults across 112 countries and regions participated in the EF Standard English Test (EF SET).
• Proficiency Bands: The EPI uses five bands: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, and Very Low.
• City Scores: Cities in Europe, such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, have the highest English proficiency, while cities in the Middle East and Africa show lower scores.
• Trends by Region:
  • Europe: Highest proficiency, with a consistent upward trend.
  • Asia: Mixed trends, with Central Asia improving rapidly and Japan declining.
  • Latin America: Mostly improving, but with a significant gender gap.
  • Africa: Highly diverse proficiency levels, with some countries like Algeria showing improvement.
  • Middle East: Low proficiency, with minimal progress among younger adults and a gender gap.

Recommendations

• Equal Access to Education: Ensure that English instruction in rural areas is at least as good as in urban areas to reduce the urban-rural proficiency gap.
• Targeted Programs: Develop programs to improve women's English proficiency, especially in regions where the gender gap is significant.
• Lifelong Learning: Encourage continuous learning and exposure to English among adults to enhance their skills and professional mobility.
• Workplace Integration: Promote English in the workplace to improve collaboration and international competitiveness.
• Policy Support: Governments should support English education and provide resources to ensure equitable access across all demographics.

Conclusion

English proficiency is a crucial factor in economic and social development, enabling individuals and nations to participate more effectively in the global economy. While progress has been made in several regions, disparities persist, particularly in gender and age-based proficiency. The EPI underscores the need for inclusive and effective language learning policies to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to benefit from English's global advantages.