Will English lose its place as the worldwide lingua franca? — science weblog
English is spoken by billions of individuals. Proficiency is seen by many as the important thing to employment and financial safety. Learners are supported by a world-spanning business of English academics and trainers. Nonetheless, will this at all times be the case? Will English lose its place as the worldwide lingua franca? How will any modifications to the best way English is used affect training insurance policies?
Constructing on the legacy of David Graddol
These are simply a number of the questions mentioned by stakeholders all through the world and are explored in additional element in, The Way forward for English: International Views. Written with my British Council colleagues, Mike Solly and Steve Copeland, the e book builds on the 1997 and 2006 seminal work by British linguist David Graddol.
The publication additionally types a part of a wider analysis agenda that extends effectively past the partitions of the British Council to look at the way forward for English and ask: ‘what’s greatest for learners?’ This isn’t a easy query. Nonetheless, it’s vital we ask exhausting questions as we speak in order that we all know tips on how to present the very best assist for college students tomorrow.
What are the important thing themes explored in The Way forward for English: International Views?
Widespread points have an effect on educating and studying all over the place and may be seen within the eight key themes we collate within the e book. These vary from whether or not English will stay the world’s most wanted language and its position in our multilingual actuality, to the way forward for English as a medium of training.
“It is important we ask exhausting questions as we speak in order that we all know tips on how to present the very best assist for college students tomorrow”
Expertise was central to many stakeholder discussions. Might expertise slender or widen the fairness hole? What affect might it have on assessments and can academics even be related sooner or later?
Many stakeholders raised questions on provision. Which is best, public or non-public language educating? Is educating and studying pushed by educationalists or are employers dictating the way forward for English?
The place subsequent for analysis into the way forward for English and English studying?
The Way forward for English Analysis Grant Scheme 2022-2025 has already awarded 4 college analysis grants and a calendar of conferences is in place to share findings. Subsequent month I will probably be internet hosting a panel of consultants in a webinar with The PIE Information to look in additional element on the questions raised in our analysis.
“Is educating and studying pushed by educationalists, or are employers dictating the way forward for English?”
As we transfer ahead it’s essential that we have interaction all kinds of stakeholders to have a look at the way forward for English for all learners and, importantly, guarantee a robust give attention to equality, range and inclusion.
Participate within the Way forward for English webinar
Be a part of us for the webinar on Tuesday thirteenth June, 1pm-2pm BST. Perceive how coverage makers, HE professionals, colleges, heads of faculties, and researchers internationally could profit from our analysis up to now and learn to participate within the wider programme because it strikes ahead.
Obtain the free e book
To obtain the free e book The Way forward for English: International Views, click on right here.
In regards to the writer: This can be a sponsored submit by the British Council Mina Patel is a researcher with the Evaluation Analysis Group on the British Council and one of many authors of The Way forward for English: International Views. Her background is in English language educating and coaching and, along with her expertise as a trainer, coach, supplies developer, tutorial and ELT tasks supervisor, she has in depth expertise working with Ministries of Training in East Asia.