Reference Articles
Article 1- Global English 'Strengthening U.S. Supremacy' from englishnews@chosun.com
Article 2- Beijing steps up English-language drive from www.ChinaPost.com.tw
Article 3- Have English standards REALLY fallen? from http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20091108-178566.html
While most people assume that the English Language is just a communication tool, article 1 shows us that the English Language has become such a powerful symbol worldwide that it "strengthens U.S. supremacy". Articles 2 and 3 shows China and Singapore striving to improve their English standards, in order to increase communication in various sectors, especially the tourism sector.
Article 2 supports article 1's claims where English is predicted to be the second language in China, by citing China's campaigns for English proficiency among some professions.
Contrary to article 2, article 3 shows the many approaches to viewing English. Singapore has high English proficiency, where the next step is now to maintain the English standard. In addition, article 3 rightfully points out that while Singapore students are good in 'receptive' skills (listening and reading), 'productive' skills (speaking and writing) has much room for improvement. Grammatical knowledge has also improved.
Thus, article 3 explains that although the English standard in Singapore seems to be floundering, the issue is in fact multi-layered. Magnifying the various aspects that constitutes English, Singapore is actually doing well relative to other countries. For article 2, article 3's analysis of the English language could help to develop a more balanced approach in increasing the English proficiency in China.
Regarding my own viewpoints, English Language is more than just a communication tool. English, as an international language, has helped unify the world and aided in making globalization a great success. In fact, English may be a tool of survival for some non-western natives to communicate with their western counterparts. In some countries, English may even be a privileged language to learn and use, especially for less developed nations.
Article 1- Global English 'Strengthening U.S. Supremacy' from englishnews@chosun.com
Article 2- Beijing steps up English-language drive from www.ChinaPost.com.tw
Article 3- Have English standards REALLY fallen? from http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20091108-178566.html
While most people assume that the English Language is just a communication tool, article 1 shows us that the English Language has become such a powerful symbol worldwide that it "strengthens U.S. supremacy". Articles 2 and 3 shows China and Singapore striving to improve their English standards, in order to increase communication in various sectors, especially the tourism sector.
Article 2 supports article 1's claims where English is predicted to be the second language in China, by citing China's campaigns for English proficiency among some professions.
Contrary to article 2, article 3 shows the many approaches to viewing English. Singapore has high English proficiency, where the next step is now to maintain the English standard. In addition, article 3 rightfully points out that while Singapore students are good in 'receptive' skills (listening and reading), 'productive' skills (speaking and writing) has much room for improvement. Grammatical knowledge has also improved.
Thus, article 3 explains that although the English standard in Singapore seems to be floundering, the issue is in fact multi-layered. Magnifying the various aspects that constitutes English, Singapore is actually doing well relative to other countries. For article 2, article 3's analysis of the English language could help to develop a more balanced approach in increasing the English proficiency in China.
Regarding my own viewpoints, English Language is more than just a communication tool. English, as an international language, has helped unify the world and aided in making globalization a great success. In fact, English may be a tool of survival for some non-western natives to communicate with their western counterparts. In some countries, English may even be a privileged language to learn and use, especially for less developed nations.
Thus, with English, professionals can finally take full control of their success in the global workplace. Aside from professionals, countries like Singapore benefited greatly from emphasizing on English proficiency. English helped to unify Singapore's different races together, thus contributing much to a prosperous and stable society.
On a last note, English has seen "evolutions" as it gets passed around into different countries. Examples include "Singlish" and "Chinglish". These "evolved forms" of English are strongly filled with native culture and thus could be treated seriously along with English.
English is a constantly evolving subject, so let us adapt to its changes and soar well in the international workplace with it.
From Kwee Peng
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