The Netherlands and Other Non-English Speaking Countries with Exceptional English Proficiency

When considering which non-English speaking countries have the best English skills, one frequently revisited contender is the Netherlands. According to the English Proficiency Index (EPI) rankings from 2014 onwards, the Netherlands has consistently ranked first for the past six years. This global assessment measures the English proficiency of countries outside the Anglophone sphere, such as the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

The Dutch Language Dominance

It is important to note that in the Dutch-speaking society, English proficiency is unusually high. In the Netherlands, English is not just widely spoken but is deeply ingrained in professional and governmental contexts. Whether in the office or in government meetings, or in the home, Dutch is the predominant language. This societal preference for English proficiency is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the Netherlands' consistently high rankings in EPI evaluations.

The Question of Self-Selection

While the EPI rankings might seem indisputable, there is some debate regarding the methodology. The annual ranking is based on a self-selecting online test, which means that only individuals who choose to take the test, at any time and from any location, contribute to the results. It is a known fact in research and study that randomized trials are the gold standard for ensuring accurate results. To truly reflect the proficiency of a population, the sample should be randomly selected to include all relevant variables.

My personal experience as a non-native English speaker, who can barely speak or read Mandarin, supports this notion. I would not be inclined to take a 90-minute self-selection test if I did not have a reasonable level of proficiency. Additionally, given that the purpose of the test is to rank countries, it is unlikely that I would participate if I thought it would reflect poorly on my country.

Comparing Singapore's English Proficiency

While the Netherlands stands out, there are other non-English speaking countries with high English proficiency levels. Singapore is a prime example. The 2023 English Proficiency Index not only ranked Singapore second but also placed the nation at third this year. However, Singapore is a de facto English-speaking country, albeit not a part of the traditional Anglosphere. English is pervasive in every facet of life, from parliamentary debates to school education.

Unlike the Netherlands, where English proficiency is a secondary proficiency by societal choice, Singapore has made English the primary language in schools and official communications. This has led to an extremely high proficiency level among the local population. However, about 30% of local-born Singaporeans use English at home, and for many like myself and my family, English is the only language spoken.

As a native English speaker whose family has spoken English for generations, I understand the immense support and understanding that come with fluency in a global language. My personal experience with English has been a testament to its importance, having always excelled in English throughout school.

While the rankings provided by the EPI are a valuable measure, it is crucial to consider the methodologies and potential biases. Nonetheless, the Dutch people's consistent performance in these assessments is truly impressive and serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved in terms of English proficiency within a society that primarily speaks another language.

Ultimately, the importance of English proficiency, regardless of one's native language, cannot be overstated. Whether in the Netherlands or Singapore, the ability to speak English fluently opens doors to a wide array of opportunities, both personally and professionally.