English proficiency has been on the rise for decades. Why is it declining now?

Yet, our 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) - offering the world’s largest ranking of English speakers by region - reveals a surprising trend: English proficiency worldwide is declining for the fourth consecutive year, with 60% of countries in the index scoring lower than in the previous year.  

This decline, particularly severe among young people, poses a growing challenge for businesses that rely on English as a critical tool for communication, innovation, and growth.  

In this article, we will explore the key findings of the 2024 EPI, analyze the broader implications for organizations and individuals, and highlight the steps businesses should take to address the growing gap in English proficiency. 

Over the past decade, the youngest cohort surveyed in the EPI survey (18-20 year olds) have gone from exhibiting the highest level of English proficiency out of all age groups to the lowest.

Dr. Christopher McCormick, a leading expert in language education and Chief Academic Officer at EF Corporate Learning, offers an explanation, saying, "we’ve been observing this trend for several years now. The pandemic, of course, played a role, particularly with younger generations who experienced significant ‘learning loss’ during that time. Young people had many setbacks across skills and learning development, not only in English language proficiency.”

McCormick also argues that the shift online during the pandemic years have also limited exposure to practical learning opportunities in high-level English. As a result, students are ill-prepared for the demands of the global workforce and tend to be over-reliant on online tools for communication.

There is growing interest among all age groups in how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be used to bridge language gaps. This could also be impacting individuals’ drive to invest in long-term language learning.

However, McCormick cautioned against relying too heavily on AI as a substitute for language learning. "AI can certainly help bridge some of the language gaps we’re seeing, but it’s not a replacement for real human language skills," he explained. "Language is a social tool; it’s about building relationships, establishing trust, and working together to solve problems. AI can help with the mechanics of communication, but it can’t replace the human element that’s so essential to effective collaboration".

The EPI report makes it clear that English proficiency is not just a linguistic issue; it is also an economic one. McCormick emphasizes this point, stating,

Indeed, the EPI data supports this view. Countries with higher English proficiency tend to have more dynamic economies and higher levels of innovation.  

This link between language proficiency and human development can be explained, in part, by the opportunities that English proficiency creates. "English is the language of knowledge,” says McCormick. “Whether we’re talking about academic research, scientific breakthroughs, or the latest business trends, much of this information is available in English. Without proficiency in the language, individuals are at a significant disadvantage". 

McCormick stresses the importance of English proficiency, particularly in industries that operate on a global scale. "When we look at industries that require high levels of collaboration and innovation, such as technology, research, and finance, English is absolutely essential," he explained. "Without a strong command of the language, teams struggle to share ideas and work effectively across borders. This isn’t just about being able to send an email or participate in a meeting; it’s about being able to engage in the kind of deep, meaningful collaboration that drives innovation". 

The EPI report also highlights the uneven distribution of English proficiency between public and private sectors in favor of the latter, which is indicative of low English language investment at a national level. McCormick points out that this has far-reaching consequences for a region: “It's the government institutions, ministries of labour, of higher education, of basic education - they are the ones responsible for upskilling and lifting up the capability of the workforce in terms of lifelong learning, whether it's for youth, for graduates, vocational trainees, apprentices. It's for the working population.” 

The tendency for public sector workers to lack English skills could therefore be having a hidden impact on youth proficiency as well as access to adult learning, leaving the private sector to cover the gap.  

The 2024 EPI report presents a clear message for HR and L&D managers in multinational businesses: the decline in English proficiency cannot be ignored. As McCormick puts it: 

The decline in English proficiency is a growing challenge for businesses, but it is also an opportunity. By investing in English training, companies can close the skills gap, enhance collaboration, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. It is an encouraging sign that older generations often demonstrate stronger language skills, showing that, with the right training, individuals can improve their proficiency at any age. 

"English proficiency is about more than just being able to test well; it’s about understanding each other, working together, and building trust,” says McCormick. In an increasingly interconnected world, these are the skills that will define success for both individuals and organizations.