When is English not a proper noun?

English is not a proper noun when it refers to the language itself, rather than a specific person or place.

Here are some examples:

* Proper Noun: "I'm learning English." (Here, "English" refers to the language, not a specific person or place.)

* Not a Proper Noun: "The English are known for their tea." (Here, "English" refers to people from England, which is a specific place.)

Here are some additional ways to determine if "English" is a proper noun:

* Capitalization: Proper nouns are capitalized. If "English" is not capitalized, it's likely not a proper noun.

* Context: The context of the sentence will usually make it clear whether "English" refers to the language or a specific people or place.

Let me know if you have any other questions!