The dominant language in the United Kingdom is English. It serves as the primary language used in government, education, and media across the UK. While there are several regional languages and dialects, such as Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish, English remains the most widely spoken and the de facto official language. The development of English has been influenced by various historical events, including the Norman Conquest and the British Empire's expansion. Today, English is one of the world's most spoken languages, serving as a global lingua franca in international communication, business, and culture.