“Native English” isn't the language of the world

What language do you think is spoken internationally? “English,” sure. But whose English? Not the kind you’d hear over tea in London or in a Brooklyn diner. It’s not the English you’d hear at my kitchen table. So what is it?

It’s something else entirely: Global English, a language co-created in real time by people from all over the globe. And spoiler alert - it’s not a "native" language at all.

What Even Is “Native English”?

a stereotypical English classroom

Let’s start here. “Native English” isn’t one thing. Is it Texan? Scottish? Singaporean? These versions of English often aren't interchangeable. Ask an American to explain “dreich” (a Scottish term) or a Brit to decipher “arvo” (an Australian term) and watch the confusion bloom.

But here’s the thing: when you’re in a meeting where 90% of the people are non-native speakers, the language being spoken isn’t Texan, Scottish, or any other “native” variety. It’s something more neutral, something deliberately simplified, and something designed to ensure everyone understands.

The Secret Native Speakers Don’t Share

Here’s a little truth bomb: native speakers aren’t great at adapting. Sure, we can rephrase or slow down, but we’re not sitting there stressing over whether we’re being understood.

For native speakers, communication is often instinctive. We don’t have the anxiety or overthinking baked into us the way many learners do. If someone says, “Pardon?” we don’t spiral into shame. We just say it again - maybe louder (because somehow, that’s supposed to help?).

Non-native speakers, on the other hand, have been trained to care deeply about being understood. Sometimes too deeply. The amount of energy you spend analysing, second-guessing, and perfecting your speech would make a native speaker's head spin.

Why Native ≠ Better

Here’s where it gets spicy. In these international settings, native speakers aren’t necessarily better communicators. In fact, they’re often at a disadvantage.

Why? Because they’re not used to adjusting for clarity. They sprinkle in idioms (“let’s touch base”), use slang (“it’s a no-brainer”), and assume everyone else will just…figure it out. Spoiler: they don’t always figure it out.

Meanwhile, non-native speakers are the ones who create a shared language. They adapt, clarify, and collaborate. They’re fluent in Global English, a language born from teamwork and mutual understanding.

Fluency Isn’t What You Think

Fluency doesn’t mean replicating native speech patterns. It means being effective. It means getting your ideas across, contributing to the conversation, and being understood - without losing sleep over every little mistake.

So why are so many learners still chasing “native-like fluency”? Why are you comparing yourself to someone who doesn’t even speak the language of international meetings fluently?

Let’s Reclaim English

English doesn't belong to the native speakers. It belongs to everyone who uses it to connect, collaborate, and create. I isn't about fitting into a native mould - it’s about embracing your voice in this global conversation.

So the next time you find yourself worrying about not being “native enough,” ask yourself this: What if you’re already more fluent in Global English than the native speakers in the room?

That’s a pretty powerful thought, isn’t it?

P.S. If this resonates with you, check out The Confidence Uprising. It’s a free guide packed with tools to shift your mindset and thrive in your version of English.