Argentina is Latin American country with highest level of English proficiency – Statista study

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – As a second language, the language of William Shakespeare prevails in the extreme south of the American continent. According to figures revealed by the statistics portal Statista, Argentina topped the English proficiency index in Latin America in 2020.

The study reveals that Argentines have an outstanding command in the region and are positioned in first place among the inhabitants of Latin America in terms of English proficiency, which is taught as a subject in public and private schools, in higher education institutions, and companies.

Read also: Check out our coverage on Argentina

The Statista index comprises different countries in the region, and Argentina heads it with 566 points out of 800. It is followed by Costa Rica, Chile, Paraguay, and Cuba, respectively, with 530, 523, 517, and 512.

On the other hand, Buenos Aires received the highest English proficiency score among all the Latin American cities analyzed, including San José (Costa Rica), Havana (Cuba), Santiago de Chile, and São Paulo Brazil, also appear.

In contrast, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador received the lowest scores in the Latin American region, with at least 40 points below the regional average in the index.

During the first months of 2020, within the framework of the prolonged quarantine, the demand for online English courses provided by public and private institutions and individuals increased.

Regarding Argentine students, Rebeca Ricoy, Country Manager for Latin America of the learning platform Duolingo, pointed out that during the first six months of the pandemic, from March to August 2020, “a growth of 85% of Argentine users compared to the previous year in this segment” was identified.

The learning modality offered by this platform gives those interested the possibility of adapting and personalizing the process according to their schedules and available time. In addition, all courses are free of charge.

Approximately 500 million people speak English. According to a global report released in November 2020, based on the analysis of more than 2.2 million people in 100 countries, Argentina was among the countries with the best English proficiency globally, with a score of B2 (upper-intermediate).

The EF English Proficiency Index considers the influence of language proficiency on personal and professional development and its importance for developing the national economy. In 2020, the Netherlands achieved 652, followed by Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

In the report, the city of Mar del Plata was above the city of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, La Plata and Córdoba. People between the ages of 21 and 40 speak English best today.

English Proficiency Index for selected cities in Latin America in 2020

Buenos Aires, Argentina 592
Cordoba, Argentina 579
San José, Costa Rica 545
Havana, Cuba 534
Santiago, Chile 529
São Paulo, Brazil 521
Brasilia, Brazil 516
Guadalajara, Mexico 514
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 512
Lima, Peru 505
Santo Domingo 503
Montevideo, Uruguay 500