Mother is the most beautiful word in the English language, according to a survey of over 40,000 overseas voters and learners of English at British Council teaching centres around the world. The survey was conducted to coincide with our 70th anniversary celebrations.

The 70 words were selected by 7,000 learners in 46 countries what they considered to be the most beautiful words in the English language. In addition an online poll was run via websites in all non-English speaking countries. Over 35,000 people voted, including 3,500 votes from China.

Greg Selby, Communications & Marketing Officer at The British Council who is responsible for managing the project said:

“It’s interesting that Mother, the only word of the 70 that describes a direct relationship between people, came top of the poll. It is great to see words in the survey that are so positive and suggestive of the British Council’s purpose; words such as freedom, liberty, peace, renaissance, and destiny. These chime with our aim to help millions of people worldwide access opportunity through English, and promote stronger ties and improved perceptions of the UK.”