‘90% of Programming Languages Have English-Based Syntax’
English continues to dominate global communication, but its role in programming has always been a topic of debate. Douglas Crockford, the creator of JSON.org and a key figure in JavaScript development, is skeptical of the growing belief that “the hottest new programming language is English”. In an exclusive conversation with AIM, he mentioned that English is too ambiguous for programming, where precision is paramount. “If we’re trying to communicate with computers, there is no room for understanding,” Crockford said, emphasising that AI does not grasp context the way humans do. However, others foresee a different future. AI-driven tools like GitHub Copilot are reshaping coding by enabling natural language programming. Tech leaders like NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that English is evolving into a programming language, making coding more accessible. Speaking at the World Governments Summit, Huang explained, “It is our job to create computing technology such that nobody has to program and that the programming language is human.” Andrej Karpathy, senior director of AI at Tesla, had predicted this trend back in 2023. The hottest new programming language is English— Andrej Karpathy (@karpathy) January 24, 2023 English is the Foundation of the Tech Industry Industry insights reaffirm that while AI and automation skills are in high demand, English remains the foundational language of the tech sector. According to TeamLease, over 90% of programming languages have English-based syntax, and more than 80% of technical documentation is in English. This makes the language the primary medium for coding, collaboration, and innovation. Meanwhile, Krishna Vij, vice president of TeamLease, told AIM, “Big tech firms prioritise scalability, requiring developers to work across geographies and serve diverse markets. Limited English proficiency can hinder access to 75% of open-source projects and major developer communities like GitHub and Stack Overflow. While AI enables coding in regional languages, such solutions are still evolving and have yet to achieve mainstream adoption.” Recognising this need, SpeakX, an Indian EdTech startup, is transforming English learning through advanced generative AI technology. SpeakX’s AI-powered platform provides personalised learning experiences, enabling users to engage in real-time conversations with a dedicated AI tutor. Arpit Mittal, founder and CEO of SpeakX, told AIM, “English is more critical than ever in today’s globalised, tech-driven world. In fields like data science, analytics, and technology, English is a non-negotiable skill; it’s the gateway to accessing research, mastering tools like Python or Tableau, and collaborating seamlessly with international teams.” He noted that beyond access, English is a commercial and social superpower, enabling professionals to articulate their ideas clearly, whether pitching a model to a stakeholder in India or abroad. English as a Soft Skill As India cements its position as a global talent powerhouse, the demand for holistic development and strong English proficiency has never been more crucial. NITI Aayog’s recent report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education Through States and State Public Universities’ highlighted the challenge of talent outflow from certain states due to inadequate employability skills. In most cases, English proficiency is identified as a significant barrier. To bridge this gap, the report recommends collaborations with international language organisations, underlining the importance of language skills in the nation’s workforce readiness. India’s information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector (ITES), which is largely dominated by multinational corporations, necessitates strong English communication skills for global client interactions. Cambridge has been instrumental in addressing this skills gap. A testament to the growing importance of English skills is Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) making Cambridge’s Linguaskill assessment a mandatory part of its NextStep job portal. The Ever-Changing Tech Landscape In an exclusive conversation with AIM, Arun Rajamani, managing director of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, South Asia, emphasised the rapid evolution of skills in the tech industry. “If you look at the past decade, the required skills have continuously evolved. In the tech industry, we see what we call the ‘two-year half-life syndrome’, where half of what you know becomes obsolete every two years. However, one constant remains – the ability to adapt and learn new skills effectively.” Rajamani further highlighted that while technical skills evolve, communication and interpersonal skills have become indispensable. The globalisation of the workforce has reinforced this need, with tech teams now distributed across India, Israel, Eastern Europe, and other global locations. Seamless collaboration across linguistic and cultural contexts has become critical for delivering high-quality, timely projects. When AIM asked Rajamani if he had to choose between English communication skills and AI skills, he said, “I would prioritise English communication. That’s the key to becoming a lasting and valuable member of the workforce today.” What’s Next? Recently, Cambridge University Press & Assessment launched a report titled ‘Fostering Future Leaders and Global Professionals: A Holistic Approach to Talent Development in Academia and Industry’. The report noted a rise in the demand for AI-related skills globally, with a 33% increase in job postings requiring AI skills across 14 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries between 2019 and 2022. Organisations are investing in training programs to upskill their workforce in AI competencies. Government initiatives like Skill India and Digital India aim to promote digital literacy and AI-specific training programs to prepare the workforce for future demands. However, the Future of Jobs Report 2025 released by the World Economic Forum noted that it’s not just tech-related skills that are on the rise – creative thinking, resilience, leadership, and even environmental stewardship are also climbing the skills ladder, stressing the value of a well-rounded and adaptable workforce. The shift is prompting businesses to invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
According to TeamLease, more than 80% of technical documentation is in English.
In an exclusive conversation, Douglas Crockford mentioned that English is too ambiguous for programming, where precision is paramount.
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Vidyashree is enthusiastic about investigative journalism. Now trying to explore how AI solves for all.