ENGLISH

 English is almost certainly considered as one of the most important subject that a student can learn from school. Each and every one of us should have knowledge and learning when it comes in studying the English subject.     English subject is often split into two main topics which, obviously, can help a student to improve his/her skills in English. These two topics are English Literature and English Language. When we talk about English Literature it is simply the study of different books and writings from authors past and present. One of the important of studying this English Literature is that it allows every student to develop their ideas and ethical standpoints. However, when we say English Language it is the study of the language itself. It is the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of use of words in a structure and conventional way. The importance of this one is that it helps students to read and write well, how to use the English Language to its greatest effect and being creative with the language itself. When we combine these two main topics, we acquired that studying both topics can increase one’s vocabulary, increase creative ability and teach about the history of the language and the culture from which great writers were writing their books.     English is a Lingua Franca which simply means that it is the most universal language. It is a language systematically used to make communication possible between people not sharing mother tongue. English as a Lingua Franca is a use of English language as a common means of communication for speakers of different first languages. ELF is also defined as inter-cultural communication.     Today, the English language is very useful in our community and society because we use it in our daily lives. It helps us in communicating with others especially to those people from the other country. Learning English may also give us better insight into our native language and other languages we know.     In studying our English language we use different types of communicating; verbal communication, non-verbal communication, written communication and many different forms. In addition to this, communication plays an important role in the process of conveying more knowledge and ideas as well. Communication is a way of interacting with people to transmit a message the speaker wants to convey to the receiver. In order to communicate properly we must construct the correct pronunciation because pronunciation affects how we understand the meaning of the words. The delivery of a word can be different to what the real meaning it has which can be a form of improper communication and with that it may lead to a lot of misinterpretations. To avoid this kind of mistake we need to teach accurate pronunciation.     In culture, society and literature the English language has also its relation to this one. It is based on the English-speaking world and covers key topics connected to social issues, literature and other cultural expressions. Working with other cultural expressions is important for developing linguistic skills and understanding how others live, and their cultures and views on life.     In using the internet, as what we have observed, majority of websites are written and created in English. It is the primary language of the press: more newspapers and books are written in English than in any other languages. It is just normal and dominant that you will be able to find more information regarding every subject if you can speak in this language.     In travel and business, if you have a good understanding in English, it will be easy for you as a travel around the globe because it is the international language for foreigners, it is much way easier to get assistance and help. In business, English skills will also help you in this part. If you visit in some offices, companies and governmental organizations you will see the importance of English. In big company they usually hire a professional and educated employee who has a good speaking language in English.

Why is Learning English is so Important?

English is the language of science, of aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism. Knowing English increases your chances of getting a good job in a multinational company within your home country or for finding work abroad. It’s also the language of international communication, the media and the internet, so learning English is important for socialising and entertainment as well as work!

1. English is the Language of International Communication

English may not be the most spoken language in the world, but it is the official language of 53 countries and spoken by around 400 million people across the globe. Being able to speak English is not just about being able to communicate with native English speakers, it is the most common second language in the world. If you want to speak to someone from another country then the chances are that you will both be speaking English to do this.

The British Council projects that by 2020 two billion people in the world will be studying English. Learning English is important as it enables you to communicate easily with your fellow global citizens. When you study English at ELC schools, you will be making friends with people from lots of different countries, using English as your common language!

2. English is the Language of Business

English is the dominant business language and it has become almost a necessity for people to speak English if they are to enter a global workforce. Research from all over the world shows that cross-border business communication is most often conducted in English and many international companies expect employees to be fluent in English.

Global companies such as Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, Fast Retailing, Nokia, Renault, Samsung, SAP, Technicolor, and Microsoft in Beijing, have mandated English as their official corporate language. In addition, in 2010 the company Rakuten, a Japanese cross between Amazon and eBay, made it mandatory for their 7,100 Japanese employees to be able to speak English.

The importance of learning English in the international marketplace cannot be understated – learning English really can change your life.

3. Speaking English gives you Access to a World of Entertainment

Many of the world’s top films, books and music are published and produced in English. Therefore, by learning English you will have access to a great wealth of entertainment and will be able to have a greater cultural understanding.

If you speak English, you won’t need to rely on translations and subtitles anymore to enjoy your favourite books, songs, films and TV shows. Watching movies and television programmes in the English language is also a great and fun way to learn it!

At ELC we encourage students to participate in the social programme to practice English outside a class environment. Activities include watching popular English films, sports, art galleries, museums, trips and excursions to local and historical areas. The programme is designed to encourage students to use and learn English in British culture.

4. Learning English gives you Access to more of the Internet

According to a report by Education First, English is the language of the internet. An estimated 565 million people use the internet every day, and an estimated 52 percent of the world’s most visited websites are displayed in the English language.

Learning English is important as it gives you access to over half the content on the internet. Knowing how to read English will allow you access to billions of pages of information which may not be otherwise available!