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Have you ever thought about the relevance of languages? We are exposed to and use different languages in our lives every day. Learning different languages improves our cognition and problem-solving skills. But what are the factors that make some languages more popular than others? What is the relevance of different languages in different stages of a person’s life – education, employment, personality – etc. Have you ever considered learning a new language? Think about what inspires you?
Now, let’s consider these questions again in the context of the world’s most popular language – English. Considering the influence of the English language on workplaces and the Internet around the world, one question that comes up is about the relevance of the English language. In about 2006, David Gradol, a renowned linguist dedicated to understanding the impact of languages, predicted the decline of English as a world language in his book English Next. His argument – Rise of a large number of regional languages due to the rise of economic centers in Asia, America, Europe etc.
In 2021, 15 years after David Gradol’s predictions, the British Council launched worldwide research to consider the relevance of Gradol’s predictions and the English language. The three-year-long research gathered insights from teachers, teacher trainers, employers, policy makers and policy influencers in 14 countries and culminated in a book titled. ‘The Future of English: Global Perspective’.
Gradol’s predictions about the future of English are partly true. While in the two decades since Gradol’s publication, the English language has gained popularity contrary to predictions, its relevance in the future will be with other languages in a more multilingual reality. Today, its position as a popular language is further strengthened by its important role in technology (including computer programming), higher education (most research is published only in English) and social media communication. English is a global language today with more than 1.5 billion speakers. It is followed by Mandarin Chinese (1.1 billion) and Hindi (600 million speakers), according to Ethnologue data. While Gradol was correct in predicting the rise of regional economic centers and local languages, over the past decades, English has emerged as the universally accepted language of business.
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, Said, “As experts in English language teaching, learning and assessment, the British Council uses cutting-edge and inclusive methods. This not only enhances educational, career and social opportunities, but also equips young people to be active in an increasingly multilingual and globalized world. With a deep understanding of research and pedagogy from both local and global contexts, we work with governments and teachers to enhance English learning outcomes. The Future shares a broad and diverse view of the future of English from partners, thought leaders, teachers and learners around the world.”
Let’s take a look at some of the key insights and findings from the book:
1. English for employment
Policy makers need to continually engage with stakeholders at national, regional and global levels to understand the role of English today and the trends of English tomorrow to ensure that policies and approaches meet the needs of people everywhere. This includes engaging with employers to ensure that young people are equipped with the language skills that employers need to enter the world of work. To achieve this, all parties must work together to ensure that assessment practices are fair and relevant to employment.
2. English in a multilingual world
English is used in different ways in different contexts around the world, including different Englishes. Policy-makers who understand how English is used in their region can help communication flourish in the way that best suits their contexts. Supporting multilingualism is important for the preservation and promotion of cultural richness. Implementing language in education policies is complex. It requires social consensus and careful consideration and planning to benefit learners and communities.
3. English in teaching system
English as a medium of instruction can provide powerful learning opportunities, especially in higher education where significant amounts of research material can only be published in English. However, studies have shown that teaching basic education and the primary years in a language other than students’ mother tongue can hinder or delay learning. Careful consideration should be given to where and when English is adopted as a medium of instruction, while also ensuring that subject teachers are supported to improve their own English skills.
4. English in the private sector
Along with the public education system, there is also a parallel education system that focuses on providing job-relevant skills to youth entering the workplace. Better collaboration between public and private sector English language teaching and learning provision has the potential to help improve both sectors and should be encouraged and enabled.
5. English and Technology
It is unlikely that technology will replace the need for teachers in the near future. For those with access to technology, artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. However, there is a need to find alternative solutions for the many learners who do not have access to technology. Teacher preparation and continuing professional development need to include training in the effective use of technology for the classroom.
The book ‘Future of English: Global Perspectives’ can be found here.
Disclaimer: This article is produced by HT Brand Studio on behalf of the brand.
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