Centre Distance TEFL

English As A Global Language The population on our planet is growing rapidly and our world seems to be growing smaller. The success of many countries and cultures are closely tied into the success of other countries. The economics of one country can directly impact the value of another country?s currency. As the world seems to grow smaller global communication is a necessity. ?A language does not become a global language because of its intrinsic structural properties, or because of the size of its vocabulary, or because it has been a vehicle of a great literature in the past, or because it was once associated with a great culture or religion. A language has traditionally become an international language for one chief reason: the power of its people.? (Crystal, 9) Many national businesses have expanded into international businesses which include buyers and sellers from a variety of countries. Most corporations predict greater global cooperation, so the companies must adapt to this new environment. Business starts with communication, so anyone striving to be successful must demonstrate awareness and confidence in corporate negotiations. Compromise is founded on mutual understanding. A common language can cut out miscommunication, and it can also help to limit the need for translators. By vacating these positions, the company saves time and money. Simply stated English makes business easier. While sitting in a café in germany, I overheard businessmen discussing their upcoming presentation to a major client. The conversation started predominantly in English. They always employed it when talking business. But as the conversation shifted to a more personal level, the speakers reverted to German; it was their native tongue. In my Global MBA program, we learned communication and speaking the same language are two separate things. You must understand the culture and customs of your audience before you can fully communicate. The language may be the same, but various phrases, words, tones of voice can communicate respect or disrespect in different cultures. In Cameron many people speak Pidgin English rather than proper English. Perhaps a change is in the air though. When I was touring the University in Doula, many posted signs encouraged students to speak properly and forget pigeon to achieve success. I currently work with students with behavioral disabilities in southwest Georgia. Ebonics is the first language for many of these kids. My goal is to help them learn to use their minds rather than only react to the situation in front of them. Part of creating a bigger world for themselves, one outside of our small town, includes learning proper English and effective communication skills, so they can have more options in careers and in education. In my many travels, I have always encountered people who speak English. Occasionally we have had resort to using gestures, hand signals and broken English to communicate, but I have always found the answers I was seeking. Since English is a global language, it has created a lot of freedom for me to travel the world. It has also allowed me the pleasure of meeting many different people. As a native english speaker, I feel very lucky to have so much freedom, but often wish American schools stressed learning other languages. Out of respect to the countries I visit, I try to learn some of their national or regional language. Unfortunately, I only really gain an extremely limited knowledge of their language. One problem I have witnessed with a global language is that emotions, meanings, and expressions do not translate very well. The passion behind words, and their cultural significance, becomes lost. I have led several Habitat for Humanity international build trips. One commonality many homeowners share is that they struggle to express the depth of their feelings in English, because they cannot describe their happiness and thanks completely. A global language is practical for business, economics, and politics but it is difficult to describe how a word should express how you feel on a global level. Reference Crystal, David. English As A Global Language. Second Edition. http://www.sprachshop.com/sixcms/media.php/811/English_as_a_grobal_lang_sample_ch.pdf