The importance of learning English in the modern world There are 2700 different languages in the world. However, English is the most popular language in the world. One billion people speak English. 400 million people use English as their first language and 600 million as their second language. 1. International prevalence • English is the first language in: the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, India. • In fact, English is an official language in 67 different countries, but in many of them not everyone speaks the language in daily life. 2. English - the language of trade and business In many countries, English occupies a very important place as a language of diplomacy, trade and business. 90% of the world's transactions are in English. World financial funds and exchanges operate in English. Financial giants and large corporations use English regardless of the country they are in. 3. English is the language of travel Since English is the most recognized language across the world, it promotes healthy cultural interaction. This is why more people want to learn English than any other language – it is a great way to learn other cultures. 4. English is the language of education English is the most popular foreign language in schools. The most prestigious universities in the world are English-speaking. In countries where English is the second state language, students prefer to study in English. Knowledge of English provides an opportunity to get a good education and build a successful career. 5. English is the language of pop culture 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 get greater cultural experiences. 1. Complete the statements below about the way people learn foreign languages with the words supplied. • • • • • • • • • • • I (a) a language school. I (b) e-mails with my cyberfriends. I learn from (c) of films in the original version. I attend summer courses (d). I read books and magazines in the (e) language. I (f) with native speakers. I (g) closely to how native speakers pronounce certain words and sounds. I (h) the words I need in a dictionary. I (i) my own voice and listen to my pronunciation. I (j) online in forums or community sites or when playing games. Listen to the text “Myth and Realities about Language Learning” and complete the gaps. • • • • • • • • • • • Myth: There’s no point in learning languages when everyone can speak English! Reality: In fact there is a great and -1- demand in the workplace for people who can speak languages -2- English: ● -3-% of the world’s population do not speak English. ● Other -4- countries are aiming for skills in three languages. ● -5-% of British trade is with non-English speaking countries. ● British business has the -6- language skills in Europe. ● To learn a -7- language is to see the world anew. You are as many people as the languages you speak. ● With the world becoming a -8- speaking only one language will definitely ‘shut you out.’ ● If your -9- shows that you can speak more than one language you will be chosen over other prospective -10- that speak only one language. ● The business world is in need of people who are -11- because of the global economy. You will be an asset to any business with more than one language at your 12-. Many -13- will even pay you more for this asset. ● Learning a foreign language is easily done by anybody. So, don’t worry if you haven’t got an “-14-” for learning a foreign language. Desire is all you need along with the learning -15-.
