Reasons for Non-Natives to Learn English - Essay Example

Reasons for non-natives to learn English Name Tutor Course Date Reasons for non-natives to learn English Introduction English is the most frequently used language in the world of business, and the most common language spoken all over the world. It is for this reason that when people from different countries converge their language of communication by default is English. This infers that a person who cannot speak English is at a disadvantage compared to one who can speak the language. Possession of robust English language skills is critically vital to succeeding in the world. Regardless of the level of education or the geographical location of the individual English has become a significant contributor in the success of any individual. Although learning a new language and in extension learning English by non-natives require time, and hard work the knowledge of the language should surpass these challenges. The reasons why these individuals desire to learn English are compelling and pose more advantages to the learner (Park, 2008). 1. Professional opportunities Having knowledge of more than one language is something that many businesses all over the world need from their employees or prospective employees. Besides Great Britain and the United States, English is the main language in other countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India and parts of Africa. Furthermore, many of the smaller islands nations use English to communicate. English has also been adopted as a second language in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. This adoption of English as a second language opens up these countries' cultures to English speakers, therefore, expanding the necessity of learning English (Llurda, 2006). Given this widespread use of English in communication in various countries there is the implication that leading international business interactions that occur in different parts of the world adopt English as a medium of communication. It is, therefore, imperative that in order to be able to operate successfully in international business and communicate with other business establishments as well as individuals involved in international trade it in essential to learn English. Most communication channels such as emails, conferences, and memos are done in English, and one needs to be able to understand English in order to express thoughts and ideas in English (Schuller et al, 2004). Additionally English is the language adopted by science and technology, particularly computer science, medicine, and genetics. It is, therefore, necessary for most people who want to study any of these fields to learn English. The ability to learn English in such circumstances makes it easy to contact experts in the concerned field and especially if they are from other countries. English also enables people and especially non-native English speakers to participate in international conferences, access academic centers abroad, and learn new discoveries by reading books, papers, and magazines. Individuals also learn English in order to meet the minimum standards for their career positions. The areas of international business and science both have English as their chosen language. In the aviation industry, English is required for the entire airline control operators as well as aircrew members. Some international businesses, for instance Japan’s Rakuten, are declaring their company’s official language of business will be English. This scenario implies that employees who do not possess a minimal level of English within a given period will be terminated (McKay & McKay, 2002). 2. Travel The knowledge of English also makes it easier for people who are not native English speakers to travel abroad because many main airports, train stations and roads often use English as their alternative language in various parts of the world. Staffs at hotels are more likely to communicate in English other than any second language and English is the language preferred by pilots and aircrew in main airlines. English, therefore, makes traveling easier and is helpful to tourists even if the country is a non-English country there are increased chances of communication when English is used (Llurda, 2006). 3. Social networking English is not only used as the main language in business interactions, but also the chief language in social interaction. Although many countries have their national languages, English is a language that unites the whole world. In order to become a global citizen, the knowledge of the English language becomes extremely crucial. A global citizen in this regard can speak to anyone and can live anywhere. With the advent of the internet and the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, English is becoming more useful as a means of communication and more so international adoption as the medium of communication. The internet is a new way to make friends and one can chat or communicate online through these social networking sites. The ability to communicate in English means that the individual can reach many people across the world. Although these social network sites support other languages, their primary language is English and in order to reach the international audience it becomes necessary for people to learn English (Bruno, Scott, & Hinton, 2012). 4. Entertainment and cultural understanding The majority of art and entertainment programs in the world use English in their communications. Additionally most books are published in English, and this is more reason to learn the English language. The wealth of entertainment and information that the world has access to is primarily in English. Consequently, English makes it simple to access and understand other cultures. When the language barrier is removed, there is more room for cooperation, for understanding, and for common ground. Although having one language that many individuals understand and speak limits variety, on the other hand, this offers an opening for everyone to take part and to exercise their freedom. The knowledge of the English language can also enable the individual to listen to music, watch movies, and read books in their original and untranslated form, which in most cases is more authentic (Schuller et al, 2004). 5. Access to knowledge – the Internet With the spread of the Internet and technology related to the internet, it becomes a lot easier to access all types of information; however, the chances that the information will be in English is high and; therefore it becomes essential to know the language. The estimated number of websites that are available in English is close to 50 percent of the total websites in the internet while the next language with the most content of the websites is German is close to 10 percent of the content on the internet. Therefore, it is noteworthy that an incredible amount of information available over the internet is in English, and this compels individuals to learn English in order to make use of this platform. The extensive use of the internet and the ever-growing adoption of the use of the internet all over the world is more reason to learn English because with the growth of the internet technology comes the necessity to know English in order to tap into the internet (Llurda, 2006). 6. Education – research and academics With over a thousand colleges, universities, and billions of dollars spent each year on research, the United States alone offers a wide range of opportunities to individuals who are able to comprehend and communicate in English. Furthermore, there are various universities and colleges around the world acknowledge that the necessity to use English and these institutions are now teaching their entire courses in English. Bearing in mind that English also presents opportunities for students to study abroad, which is evident from the number of foreign students studying in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is clear that learning English is an essential requirement particularly for students who want to study abroad (McKay & McKay, 2002). Further, an estimate of 80 percent of research and academic papers in the world is available in English. While there is an increase in research and academic papers published in other languages, those published in English are significant in number and are continuously growing with the increase of education levels in the world. The most significant advantage the work published in English has over the other languages is peer reviews. A substantial number of peer reviewed journals are presented in English, and it is worth noting that there is a high regard for peer reviewed journal published in English. In this regard, it is necessary for researchers to learn English since any breakthrough can reach many readers if such research is available in English. Any cross cutting research development or technological advancement needs to be in English, therefore, the increased desire for non-natives to learn the English language (Park, 2008). 7. Employment Because English is used often a medium of communication in many parts of the world, it is imperative that an individual can get a better job if they know English. Many employment positions require interaction with colleagues, clients, or service providers from other countries, and in such cases, the knowledge of English is a crucial advantage to employees. The knowledge of English can also assist employees advance their careers further. Having the knowledge of a second language and more so the English language, makes a non-native English speakers more employable than their counterparts who do not know English. This is supported by the desire of employers to have employees who can communicate in a language that is widely spoken and with the substantial number of people across the world who speaks English; English becomes a natural choice for these employers. On the other hand, while an employee at the entry level might not require the knowledge of English the necessity to learn English becomes critical as the individual goes up the corporate ladder. This is because the individual at this level will have an increased likelihood of attending overseas meetings, conferences, or trips. There is also a strong financial reward or knowledge of English of these individuals since they are in opposition to promote products, services, and skills to the wider world (Bruno, Scott, & Hinton, 2012). 8. New Experiences Learning English as a language also opens up new experiences for these individuals. The ability to communicate in English enables these people to talk with other people from various countries and cultures. The large number of people who speak English around the world means that most cultures are available in English; therefore, this knowledge of the language supports wider cultural exchange. The culture in this case includes music film and literature, which can be accessed in English (Park, 2008). It is clear that the knowledge of English also enables one to become more independent. This is so because more products and literature are now available all over the world from English-speaking countries. In this case, customers who seek to be more reliant on these products must understand English. Customers with a proper understanding and command of English will not require someone else to provide them with translations of these products, hence the more reason to learn English for non-native English speakers. Another reason for these people to learn English is that learning a language provides an excellent mental stimulation. Although these people can get this stimulation from learning any other language, English is preferable since the knowledge of English does not only provides mental stimulation but also is also useful to the individual (McKay & McKay, 2002). Conclusion Due to the various advantages and reasons that support learning of English such as the improvement of professional opportunities, social networking, education, and access to knowledge, people who are not native English speakers have sufficient reason to learn this language. For these reasons, it also becomes clear that people with knowledge in English are also better placed because they have the ability to communicate with people from various parts of the world. English, therefore, is a crucial language even where the individual is not a native English speaker, and this necessitates their desire to learn the language even more. References Bruno, D. C., Scott J. & Hinton C. (2012). Educational Research and Innovation Languages in a Global World Learning for Better Cultural Understanding: Learning for Better Cultural Understanding. OECD Publishing Llurda, E. (2006). Non-Native Language Teachers: Perceptions, Challenges and Contributions to the Profession. London: Springer McKay, S. L. & McKay, S. (2002). Teaching English as an International Language: An Introduction to the Role of English as an International Language and Its Implications for Language Teaching. Oxford University Press Park, S. (2008). Native and non-native English speaking tutors' feedback on college-level ESL student writing. ProQuest Schuller, T et al (2004). The Benefits of Learning: The Impact of Education on Health, Family Life, and Social Capital. Routledge Read More