English is a global language that is both the most widely spoken and the most widely learned second language in the world, originating from the Angles in early medieval England. As a West Germanic language within the Indo-European family, it is known for its large number of speakers and its worldwide influence, stemming from the history of the British Empire and the United States. English is a global language that is both the most widely spoken and the most widely learned second language in the world, originating from the Angles in early medieval England. As a West Germanic language within the Indo-European family, it is known for its large number of speakers and its worldwide influence, stemming from the history of the British Empire and the United States.