Vietnamese people ranked 58th in the world in English proficiency.

Vietnam ranked 58th out of 113 in the global adult English proficiency rankings, up two places from last year.

On November 18, EF Education First, an international education organization, announced the EF EPI English Proficiency Index rankings in 113 countries and territories.

Of these, 12 places had very high English proficiency (600-800 points), 18 places had high proficiency (550-599 points), 33 places had medium proficiency (500-549 points), 27 places had low proficiency (450-499 points) and 22 places had very low proficiency (below 450 points).

Vietnam scored 505 points, three points higher than last year and the world average this year, continuing to be in the group with average English proficiency in the world. Two years ago, Vietnam only scored 486 points, being ranked in the group with low English proficiency.

The top English proficiency region in Vietnam is the Red River Delta, with Hanoi having the highest score (538). The 26-30 age group has the best English proficiency in the country. The English proficiency index of Vietnamese men is 513, higher than that of women (498).

Vietnam's EF EPI English proficiency scores from 2011 to 2023. Photo: EF

Among 23 countries and territories in Asia, Vietnam's index is the 7th highest, unchanged from last year. Singapore continues to lead and ranks second in the world, with 631 points. This is also the only country in Asia with a very high English proficiency index. At the high level are the Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong (China).

According to EF's assessment, average English proficiency in South Asia and Southeast Asia decreased slightly, due to a gradual decline in English proficiency in India and a plateau in Thailand.

English proficiency among adults in East Asia has also declined over the past four years, due to political distance, demographic shifts and questions about the influence of Western culture on education.

On a global scale, the Netherlands maintains its number 1 position in English proficiency, with a score of 647. Europe remains the continent with the best English proficiency in the world, with only 2/34 countries and territories in this region falling into the low English proficiency group.

In addition to the rankings, EF assessed a number of trends in English use around the world. Specifically, over the past decade, men's English proficiency has improved globally, while women's has declined slightly. Younger generations in some countries have become worse at speaking English due to disruptions during the pandemic, while working-age people have become better at speaking English.

This year’s rankings are based on the results of the EF SET, a standardized online English test of reading and listening skills designed to classify language ability. Test takers are placed at one of six proficiency levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Test takers can take the test for free online.

EF is one of the world's largest educational organizations, specializing in study abroad, language learning, and cultural exchange programs. The EF EPI report has been published annually since 2011.

Khanh Linh (According to EF )

Source link