Week 12 Readings

The first chapter of International English in Its Sociolinguistic Contexts, introduced English as a language that is most commonly used all over the world. There were many statistics about where and how it is used. One reason is for economic use. In order for people to have a successful career, knowing English plays an important role, especially when the career includes something to do with knowing the language for international business. Advertising, movies, music, and electronic communication are widely used all over the world and English influences those in many countries.

I find it very interesting to know that the English language is that popular. I never really paid much attention to that because by living in the United States, I thought it was normal here. I didn't know that so many countries out there are influenced by it and they might even change their advertising so it includes words in English. People see it as a language that is in a way superior to the rest.

In the second chapter, it talks about teaching and learning English in Inner Circle, Outer Circle, and Expanding Circle countries. I find it so interesting that in a lot of Inner Circle countries, the student's native language is seen as a problem and only English is important. In other countries from the Outer Circle, they do appreciate their native language and English so they can become bilingual. It is important that we encourage this multilingualism everywhere. English does not have to be the best one. Just because it is used more, it doesn't mean the rest are not as great.

In the article "The Impact of Globalization on Language Teaching in Japan," it was somewhat surprising that in Japanese schools: "the 'foreign language' is English; the model for English should be standard North American or British varieties; learning English leads to international/ intercultural understanding; and national identity is fostered through learning English." We can see how English plays such an important role in Japan and they are highly motivated to learn it.

If English is encouraged to be learned and used in countries all over the world, I wonder what would happen in the next few years. Would the native language of countries die and English would be the only language left to use? Even though it is good to have a language that can be used all over the world, we should not stop learning more about our own native languages and cultures. We should not forget that by knowing our native languages and culture, it will help us continue to be the unique individuals we are.