In a significant revelation, a recent study by EF Education First (EF) has highlighted a troubling decline in English proficiency across the globe. This trend, which has been noted in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), is raising concerns for businesses that rely on offshore hiring strategies. The 2024 index, published on April 14, 2025, is based on test results from 2.1 million non-native English speakers aged 18 and older, spanning 116 countries and regions. The findings indicate that after a decade of steady improvement, English proficiency has reverted to levels seen in 2011, particularly alarming as the 18-20 age group has experienced a gradual decline since 2015.
Historically, English has been the dominant language in business, science, and technology, boasting over 1.5 billion speakers worldwide. However, the EF EPI now shows that the momentum gained in English proficiency has faltered significantly, especially in regions like Asia, where scores have dropped markedly since 2020. Countries that once aimed to enhance their English skills, such as India, China, Mexico, and Brazil, are witnessing stagnation or decline in proficiency levels.
For businesses that depend on offshore labor, this decline poses numerous challenges. To navigate these obstacles, companies are encouraged to implement several strategic approaches. First, maintaining operations in established global English hubs like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines is crucial, as these regions still boast substantial English-speaking populations. Additionally, emerging hubs such as Romania, South Africa, and Malaysia are also becoming attractive markets for skilled labor with strong English competencies.
Moreover, businesses are advised to shift their language priorities. Not every position necessitates perfect fluency in English; for technical roles such as software development and data science, functional communication may suffice. This means that a skilled employee with basic English capabilities can still bring immense value to an organization.
Utilizing AI-driven translation tools can further aid in overcoming language barriers. Tools like Google Translate, DeepL, and ChatGPT are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing for real-time translation and facilitating smoother communication between teams.
Offshore recruitment agencies also play a vital role in this evolving landscape. By partnering with reputable agencies, businesses can simplify their hiring processes. These agencies specialize in vetting candidates, ensuring they meet English proficiency standards through rigorous interviews and standardized tests like the EF SET, which is instrumental in creating the EF EPI. They also assess candidates' professional skills, helping companies find individuals who not only communicate effectively but also excel in their respective roles.
As the future of English proficiency remains uncertain, companies must adapt by embracing multilingual talent, leveraging AI tools, and collaborating with reliable hiring partners. With strategic adjustments, businesses can continue to thrive despite the shifting linguistic landscape.
In a related discourse, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India has come under scrutiny for its reinforcement of the three-language formula, which mandates a third language to be taught in schools across the nation. Launched in 1968, this policy aimed to promote multilingualism, national unity, and employment opportunities. However, evidence suggests that it has largely failed to deliver on its promises. According to the 2011 Census, only 7% of Indians reported being proficient in three languages, with even lower rates in Hindi-speaking states.
Educational assessments reveal a grim picture, with less than half of Class 8 students able to read a simple paragraph or write a basic essay in their regional language or Hindi. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) indicates that many students struggle even with their first and second languages, raising questions about the rationale behind enforcing a third language.
Critics argue that the NEP's endorsement of the three-language formula is ideologically driven, lacking a solid foundation in real-world data. While the policy claims to enhance cognitive abilities through multilingualism, research indicates that cognitive benefits plateau beyond two languages. Moreover, the challenges of learning a third language may lead to cognitive overload for students already grappling with their primary languages.
Furthermore, the NEP's assertion that no language will be imposed on states is contested. In practice, logistical and financial constraints often lead schools in non-Hindi speaking states to default to Hindi or Sanskrit as the third language due to the availability of teaching resources and trained educators.
As India grapples with its linguistic diversity, the need for a more pragmatic approach to language education becomes evident. The focus should shift towards bilingual proficiency—emphasizing English for economic opportunities and regional languages for cultural preservation. By leveraging AI-powered tools for additional language learning, students can choose languages based on their interests and needs, ensuring a more relevant and effective educational experience.
In conclusion, as global English proficiency declines, businesses must recalibrate their offshore hiring strategies to adapt to the changing linguistic landscape. Simultaneously, India's education policy must evolve to prioritize practical language skills that empower students and reflect the country's rich linguistic heritage. By embracing evidence-based policymaking and innovative teaching methods, both businesses and educational institutions can navigate the complexities of language in today's interconnected world.
