Cost Diploma TESOL

english as a Global LanguageWith wide implementation of the Internet and world-wide audiences the use of english has created mutual understanding and opportunities for international co-operation. Even though many say english is the global language it hasn’t been made official. The use is wide spread signs and advertisements in english in foreign countries as in hotels, restaurants, airports etc. is evidence of its growing popularity. As native speakers of the english language we worry about how people in other countries may use it in a different way and change it to suit themselves. Pride in our language is strong as it is in the foreign countries. We don’t want our language abused. The question is asked “if english becomes an official global language who will own the language?” We will have to share it. Many don’t wish to, then again there are lots who see the wisdom in having one universal language. Variations in the language from other countries will inevitably happen . We have seen that in American /english , in fact wherever there has been migration from a non-speaking country to an english speaking country. Countries who adopt english fear their own language will disappear. This has been evident in all manners of protest. Language is in the news daily be it in political differences, education, law and rights. A global language is when the language becomes recognised in every country. It is surprising to know that despite the emergence of english as a popular language, that no language has been spoken by a mother-tongue by itself in more than a few countries. spanish language is foremost. english is, however, the language most widely taught as a foreign language. In over one hundred countries it is becoming the chief foreign language taught in schools and institutions. The former french colony of Algeria has had the french language replaced by english in their schools. There have been many reasons for choosing english globally. Historical traditions, political expediency, commercial purposes, cultural and technical necessities have pushed english to the forefront. Depending on the government of the country embracing english, the financial support will be all important. Those supporting language teaching will provide ample libraries, schools, institutions, teachers, equipment and other materials. However, in poorer countries lack of support will hinder the teaching of the english language. A language has traditionally become an international language for one reason i.e. the power of its people especially the military and political power. We have only to look back in history. With the spread of various armies/powers from Spain, Rome, Portugal, France and england the respective languages emerged. The dominance of a language is not all it takes, it takes a powerful nation to spread it. With the spread of language a lot more technologies have resulted e.g. the present day Internet, plus the power of advertising. Power of the press, the movies, world-wide entertainment and sport, english has become recognizable and popular. A widespread view or opinion is that it makes sense to reduce the number of languages. A view if that this would cut down on interpretation, translation and paper work required. An excellent example of this would be the United Nations Assembly. Arguments in favour and against a single language are many. Disadvantages for those who do not have english as a mother tongue is evident when finding themselves working for an english company e.g. when meetings use informal speech. These disadvantages will disappear if a global language viz. english is taught early enough. children are renowned for being bi-lingual at an early age. This can carry on into school and work if there are opportunities for english to be taught.