The TED video by Patricia Ryan, an English teacher in Dubai, has a claim that governance of English is killing the variety of langauges all over the world. According to the video, only 600 languages will remain in 90 years from that of 6000 nowadays. She gives the benefits of various languages for mankind that man can learn so much more from them not only in cultural aspects but also in academic areas. She gave an example of a German scientist who solved the problem of two English scientists who used different terms for the same thing.
I did not understad much about the use of language as a tool for more learning. However, I agreed to the basic idea that many people are spending too much time and expenses to study English. The TED video reminded me of myself preparing for TOEFL exam. The motive of our school to check the TOEFL scores of students is understandable since decent English ability is necessary in this school. However, the strategies that private institutions use to raise the scores of students are not recommendable. In those institutions, I did not learn English but learned skills to solve the problems in the TOEFL. If I had read English books or practiced writing essays instead of increasing my skills for the test, my real English ability would be much better.
I think the test-based English education system is the problem. Due to those tests, students and private institutions began to focus on raising scores not the true ability in English. One of the reasons I like my school is that I can achieve better English through reading and writing.
At first I thought you hadn't written much, but everything you wrote speaks volumes and contains a concise statement. You really do get to the point, and I appreciate that writing style.
답글삭제I'm also always interested to hear personal opinions from Korean students on how they learned English, and how they feel about the ESL industry. I feel truly lucky to be at KMLA where I am now no longer directly a part of ESL, where I can teach bright students the craft of English rather than the basics. In my opinion, English in Korea has become a monster that feeds on children and parents. The ESL puppeteers (publishers, hakwon chains, chaebols etc) have breathed fear and competition into the status quo - much of it needless and artificial. The industry is huge, and indeed it does create jobs and economic benefit - while also causing students to waste time and energy to an empty cause. Like you say, that brand of English can do little to create a "global leader." Good stuff here, and I like that you present interesting stats from the video.