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Further to our recent article highlighting the benefits of studying a foreign language, we thought it logical to next discuss the importance of learning English. It is after all, the most widely used language today, both socially and in the working world. It is hardly surprising then, that a high level of English is highly sought after by employers in an increasingly competitive and international work market. As a native English speaker, be it in the US, UK or Australia for example, it is often easy to take for granted our English speaking and writing capabilities. Is your fluency in English as good as it could or should be? As for non-native speakers, English is most commonly studied as a second language. Education systems around the world now place greater emphasis on the teaching and learning of English from an early age, not just as a subsidiary subject, but as essential as mathematics or science. This article will seek to answer some of the most important issues when it comes to studying English, and to hopefully convince you that it´s never too late to get out those books and start learning something new!
The Benefits
Okay so we´ve already touched on this, but why else should you learn English? In simple terms, English is a truly global language. Let´s have a look at the figures… According to the British Council, English is the first language of approximately 375 million, while it is believed that around 750 million speak it as foreign language. One in four of the world´s population has at least a basic command of the language, and this is growing.
Of course there are benefits attached with learning any language, as discussed in our previous article. Specific to English however, it allows native speakers to consolidate and improve their current level, and perhaps even lead to a future career in English teaching. After all, the demand for such profession is huge and often lucrative. Nowadays it is not just enough to write in your CV “Fluent in English”. Employers want proof. For assistance in gaining an English qualification, you can take an IELTS course at an English language school in England. Such courses are also recommendable for those learning English as a second language, as visiting and learning in an English-speaking country (where better than London, England?) is one of the best things you can do to improve your fluency. This brings us neatly on to…
Where should I study English?
Deciding to spend a period of time abroad to study a language is obviously a very exciting and life-changing decision. It is easy to be drawn to those places often popularized in modern culture, for example the bright lights of ‘the city that never sleeps’, New York, or the grey skies of ´The Big Smoke’ that is London. However careful planning and research is essential if you are to maximize your time learning there.
An important issue to consider is accents. The diversity of regional accents within the British Isles is something that frequently surprises and challenges foreigners when they visit. Do your research beforehand. Listen to clips and decide where you would feel most comfortable, or if you´re the adventurous kind, where you think would challenge you the most linguistically. English teaching standards are considered some of the highest in the world, due to a rich history and rigorous auditing. Ireland is also proving a popular destination for English learners due to the friendliness of its inhabitants; Lonely Planet listed Ireland as the friendliest country in the world.
Know your learning style. Learning a language is not like learning other subject areas. Knowing this will allow you to select the learning institution (there are many), program or place best suited to your learning needs. Whatever you decide, remember that it is important to submerge yourself in the culture and practice the language with locals. The British Isles is small and therefore relatively easy and inexpensive to travel around. It is one of many reasons why an impressive 700,000 people choose to come to the UK each year to study English.
The Bottom Line
The English language is everywhere we look nowadays. From books to airports, technology to pop music, the internet to entertainment, there is no escaping its transnational influences. Now more than ever is the ideal time to refresh or improve your English level and join the one billion plus already doing so!