English-speaking people(s)

[hirashin]

Dear native English speakers,
which would sound correct?
(a) The Encyclopedia Britannica is probably the best known work for English-speaking people. It first appeared in Scotland.
(b) The Encyclopedia Britannica is probably the best known work for English-speaking peoples. It first appeared in Scotland.

Thanks in advance.
Hirashin

 

[lanthas]

Definitely the first one. "Peoples" is the plural of the singular noun "people", which is defined as

the entire body of persons who constitute a community, tribe, nation, or other group by virtue of a common culture, history, religion, or the like: the people of Australia; the Jewish people.

In other words, b) would be like saying the encyclopedia is only for people from English-speaking countries, whereas a) includes all people who speak English, regardless of where they live.

 

[Stavecrow]

Both are technically fine I think
‘A’ sounds more modern English, but you could also add “the” before “English” on either.

But that may be because the sentence reminds me personally of Churchill’s book:
‘A History of the English-Speaking Peoples’

 

[hirashin]

Thanks for the help, Lanthas and Stavecrow.

I didn't know you can say ”English-speaking peoples".