YOUR VIEWS
YOUR VIEWS
A selection of your views on Global English
Sir,
Sir,
Global English – a blessing or a curse?
A Trojan Horse, invited into the fortress
of other nations which, bit by bit, comes
to dominate not just their language but
their culture too? Or should we rejoice
that in English we have a language
that is comparatively easy to learn, is
encountered everywhere in the world as
a second language - if not a first- and is
so culturally rich that it can genuinely be
seen as a benefit to all who use it?
Both sides contain truth, as in all
debate. For myself, I would welcome
global English as a lingua franca for the
Internet, for science, for tourism but I
fear for the literature, cinema and drama
of other nations if the Trojan Horse
transforms into a steam roller that crushes
the beauty and individuality of other
nation’s languages.
I.P.H, London
Globally, the UK remains static in the
mid-twenties for attainment of 16 year
olds in basic literacy and problem
solving skills. This means that a
significant number of other countries
which have ‘adopted’ English for
education and business in particular
are now consistently achieving ahead of
large swathes of our own young people.
Of course, we can be pleased, even
satisfied, that English is so widely used,
often to high levels of competence.
Does it not, however, cause us to
consider how we currently invest our
resources to achieve our aims?
After all, Public Speaking is a well
proven way of motivating young people
to learn and develop their confidence
to make their way in the world. And
the development of problem solving
skills through Debate can lead not only
to increased individual employability
but, vitally, it can lead to greater
understanding and cooperation between
people and peoples.
Shouldn’t we be substantially upping
our game to engage with a far greater
number and range of our own young
people of all abilities to prepare for life
in a globally competitive environment
and as a return on that investment see an
increase in the use and effectiveness of
English achieved by their venturing out
onto the global stage?
K.R, Northants
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Your Views
dialogue magazine
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