The English language level of Argentineans is the best in Latin America. This was mentioned by EF EPI (Education First English Proficiency Index), the world ranking that evaluates the level of English, and that places the country as No. 1 in the region.
From a total of 72 countries, Argentina kept its good average (58.40%) and was ranked 19th in the global ranking, between Hungary and Rumania, and is within those that keeps high English skills.
Rosario is the city with best English skills in the country, followed by La Plata and Buenos Aires; and the Pampa and Patagonia regions are those with the best levels. The key is on the formation of professors.
"A common challenge of multinational companies is the creation of cohesion within the culturally-diverse labor forces. English serves as a bridge connecting employees throughout countries and cultures, weaving networks for innovation," explains EF EPI.
Unlike the global trend, Argentines aged between 35 and 54 years are more competent than young students. In general, women have the best use of the language. For the survey, having a high level implies being able to offer a presentation at work using the language, understanding TV programs or being able to read a newspaper.
EF EPI also evaluates other aspects related to the knowledge of companies like Internet introduction, that in Argentina is 64.7%; public expenditures in education (15.1%); and finally the average in study, that in the country is 9.83 years.
At regional level, the second position was for the Dominican Republic (57.24), followed by Uruguay (51.63), Costa Rica (51.35) and Brazil (50.66). In general, the English level of adults in Latin America "is weak and has lowered in many countries since last year.” Of the 14 countries included, all except Argentina and the Dominican Republic, fell on the lowest tier.
"The evidence submitted in this report shows that English is a current basic skill. As such, it must be taught and proven at a level equal to the reading skills and mathematical skills in the native language,” explains the study.
And concludes: "Taking into account the growing significance of English in the last 20 years, a huge practical knowledge of the language shall be even more important when today’s youth enter the labor world."
