Trinity Cert Tesol English as a Global Language
The changing nature of English as a Global Language and The Implications for ELT:
1. Colonial history, two factors of present-day status of English:
Global use of English originated with the colonisation of so much of the world. Colonisation brought evangelist missionaries teaching English as a means to spread their gospel making English even more wide spread. English was on its way to being a lingua franca (used by people who do not have the same first or second language) by the end of the twentieth century. Now English “is by international treaty, the official language for aeronautical and maritime communications. It’s the official language of the UN and many other international organisations, including the International Olympic Committee.” For these reasons it is likely to remain the most popular global language, although, some fear that funding cuts in EFL will impact commercial TESOL in the UK, at present the status of English remains strong.
2. Varieties of English Language:
The diverse varieties of English are due to the issues above. Former colonies still use English. According to Wikipedia it’s the “Official language in 54 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities”. Most of whom have their own dialects or types such as Pidgin English, Cockney or Geordie, as well as the more standard types of UK and US English.
3. Practical reason for learning English:
It is one of the most versatile second languages due to its wide usage as mentioned above. It is even the default language for astrophysics and zoology.
4. Economic, intellectual and entertainment reasons:
Continuing personal/professional development such as attending English speaking/teaching university and increase job prospects are good reasons as English is so widely used by many official bodies. Film and music include entertainment reasons. Travel also being high on the list, as air traffic control in most countries preferring English and airports around the world using English
1. Colonial history, two factors of present-day status of English:
Global use of English originated with the colonisation of so much of the world. Colonisation brought evangelist missionaries teaching English as a means to spread their gospel making English even more wide spread. English was on its way to being a lingua franca (used by people who do not have the same first or second language) by the end of the twentieth century. Now English “is by international treaty, the official language for aeronautical and maritime communications. It’s the official language of the UN and many other international organisations, including the International Olympic Committee.” For these reasons it is likely to remain the most popular global language, although, some fear that funding cuts in EFL will impact commercial TESOL in the UK, at present the status of English remains strong.
2. Varieties of English Language:
The diverse varieties of English are due to the issues above. Former colonies still use English. According to Wikipedia it’s the “Official language in 54 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities”. Most of whom have their own dialects or types such as Pidgin English, Cockney or Geordie, as well as the more standard types of UK and US English.
3. Practical reason for learning English:
It is one of the most versatile second languages due to its wide usage as mentioned above. It is even the default language for astrophysics and zoology.
4. Economic, intellectual and entertainment reasons:
Continuing personal/professional development such as attending English speaking/teaching university and increase job prospects are good reasons as English is so widely used by many official bodies. Film and music include entertainment reasons. Travel also being high on the list, as air traffic control in most countries preferring English and airports around the world using English
Bibliography: Harmer, Jeremy, The Practice of English Language Teaching, Fourth Edition, Pearson Longman. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language