Purposes for learning English
Today, like it or not, English is the language of globalization,
international communication, commerce and trade,
the media and pop culture, and this affects motivations for
learning it. English is no longer viewed as the property of
the English-speaking world but is an international
commodity sometimes referred to as World English or English
as an International Language. The cultural values of Britain
and the US are often seen as irrelevant to language teaching,
except in situations where the learner has a pragmatic need for
such information. The language teacher need no longer be
an expert on British and American culture and a literature
specialist as well. English is still promoted as a tool that will
assist with educational and economic advancement but is
viewed in many parts of the world as one that can be acquired
without any of the cultural trappings that go with it.
Proficiency in English is needed for employees to advance in
international companies and improve their technical
knowledge and skills. It provides a foundation for what has
been called 'process skills' – those problem-solving and
critical thinking skills that are needed to cope with the rapidly
changing environment of the workplace, one where English
is playing an increasingly important role.