EF-2020年英语水平指数报告（英文）-2020.12-27页_2mb

EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2020 Summary

Core Content

The EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2020 ranks 100 countries and regions based on adult English proficiency, using data from 2.2 million test takers. The report highlights the growing importance of English in global communication, innovation, and economic development.

Main Findings

• Global English Proficiency Trends:

  • The worldwide, population-weighted average English proficiency score remained stable.
  • 26 countries saw significant improvements (over 20 points), while only 7 experienced declines.
  • The median age of test takers is 26, with adults aged 26-30 showing the strongest English skills.

• English and Innovation:

  • English proficiency is strongly correlated with innovation, as it facilitates international collaboration.
  • Companies with diverse teams in English are more likely to achieve higher profitability and access global talent.
  • A high proportion of scientific and technical journal articles are published in English, and these are more likely to be cited.

• English and Work:

  • English is essential for career mobility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
  • There is a notable gap in English proficiency between different job functions, with operations and clerical roles lagging behind.
  • Managers generally have higher English proficiency than executives and staff, especially in Europe, suggesting a "glass ceiling" for non-English speakers in promotions.

• English and the Economy:

  • English proficiency correlates with economic indicators such as GDP, net income, and productivity.
  • It reduces transaction costs and facilitates international trade, which is a significant part of the global economy.
  • English is linked to higher service exports and value added per worker in service industries.

• English and Society:

  • English proficiency is associated with more open, democratic, and politically engaged societies.
  • Societies with higher English skills tend to have lower power distance and greater gender equality.
  • The gender gap in English proficiency has narrowed, with women now outperforming men in some regions.

• Regional Insights:

  • Europe: English proficiency is rising, with the Netherlands leading at 652. Spain and Italy lag behind.
  • Asia: English proficiency declined slightly, with a wide range of scores. China maintains progress, while Tajikistan and Rwanda have the lowest.
  • Latin America: Significant improvements in English proficiency, especially in countries that have invested in teacher training.
  • Africa: A few countries perform well, but the overall gap between high and low proficiency is wide.
  • Middle East: English proficiency remains the lowest globally, but the regional average improved.

Key Information

• Proficiency Bands:

  • Very High: Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Singapore, Luxembourg, South Africa
  • High: Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Greece, Kenya, Slovakia
  • Moderate: Italy, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Spain, Costa Rica, Chile, China, Philippines
  • Low: India, Armenia, Uruguay, Brazil, Tunisia, Japan, El Salvador, Iran, Panama
  • Very Low: Afghanistan, Angola, Algeria, Mexico, Egypt, Cambodia, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Syria, Uzbekistan

• City Scores:

  • Cities in the Very High category include Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Oslo, Vienna, and Stockholm.
  • Cities like Wuhan, San Salvador, and Tunis score in the Low or Very Low bands.

• Technology and English:

  • There is a correlation between English proficiency and technology adoption, including broadband subscriptions and ICT exports.
  • Technology-enabled education could help spread English proficiency more widely.

• Recommendations:

  • Building English proficiency across all seniority levels is crucial for better communication and access to global talent.
  • Investing in adult education and micro-credentials can help address skill gaps in the gig economy.
  • Promoting gender equality and international engagement through English can lead to broader societal benefits.

Conclusion

English proficiency is a key enabler of global connectivity, innovation, and economic growth. While the global average remains stable, significant regional and demographic disparities persist. The report emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to language education and workforce development to ensure equitable access to the opportunities English provides.