Exploring English language learning possibilities, and where it can take learners both personally and professionally, and the added benefits of learning the world’s language — hint: it’s healthy for your brain. Read more.
You might have heard of English being referred to as a lingua franca, which is a fancy way of saying that English is becoming the world’s language of communication among non-native speakers.
This is because it’s estimated that almost 2 billion people speak English across the globe, making English the largest language by number of speakers, and the third largest language by number of native speakers. By many standards, English has become referred to as the world’s language.
Given the fast-changing expectations of today’s employers, the ability to collaborate effectively across cultures, borders and languages is a non-negotiable skill — this is where English language skills are key.
Simon Young, Pearson Asia’s BTEC Portfolio Manager, says now that supply chains and customer bases are global, multinationals have identified English language proficiency as a requirement, not a nice-to-have skill.
“It seems that English has become a key skill for communicating in business in any role. So, in countries such as [those in Southeast Asia] where you might see a strong local workforce, the interaction with other divisions does require a strong ability to communicate in English. English has become the global communication medium.”
While English helps to enhance your career possibilities and professional growth, being multilingual makes you a sharper learner — the cognitive benefits of being proficient in another language is healthy for your brain.
And for English language learners specifically, experts say that multilingual learners score higher on standardised tests, which is likely due to learning different grammatical rules and vocabulary, as well as the ability to focus on relevant information while paying less attention to the details that hold less value.
When learning English coupled with another subject, it’s a far more effective way to learn a language. The two-for-one approach adds context to what you’re learning and encourages the development of workforce skills. For Dr Tran Huong Quynh, Head of English Linguistics Division, Faculty of English at Hanoi National University of Education, English is now considered a tool to open the door of knowledge for today’s learners.
“It’s learning [that matters], and students want to learn something that is useful for them, instead of just purely focusing on English itself. For example, students can learn English and science, English and geography, or even English and learning how to present or other skills relevant in the 21st century.
“You should learn English in context, and you need to be exposed to the language every day, whether in a professional or task-based context, or daily life conversations with a clear purpose of learning. So, learners should have a chance to learn the English that people are using in the real situation, not just the language based on the textbook,” she says.
Learners should identify why they want to learn English to ensure their goals are set correctly and that their focus is in the right area. Dr Quynh notes that to build English proficiency, learners must understand the differences between general, academic and business English, and then approach their learning patterns accordingly.
“For me, building proficiency should be to refer to all three areas, so that means academic English, business English or real-world English. Each of them focuses on one aspect of English that language learners need to use English appropriately in different settings. So, academic English is the type of English you need in the world of research, study, and teaching.
“For business English, learners can use English in a professional setting and the ability to communicate at work. For example, the ability to write emails, to understand them, and to respond to them using appropriate language, they should have the ability to deliver presentations or participate in business meetings in English,” she says.
For Quynh, the value in learning English lies in having an understanding and a level of proficiency in all three English variations to get the most out of their learning journey. She says that to truly unlock professional and personal potential, learners should strive to have the ability to communicate across all variations of everyday life settings.
“We’re all familiar with real-world English – it is the ability to communicate in general and in society. So, learners should have the ability to communicate confidently for everyday life in English, wherever they are — for example, at home or at work, traveling or socialising in everyday situations.
“To unlock the career opportunities and enhance employability, I think learners should know what kind of English they need by looking at what they really want to use English for -- do they need English for their job or for socialising and communicating outside of work?” she says.