Around the world, 2.3 billion people speak English, and for most of them it is an extra, rather than their first, language.
In many countries, English is also used to teach most academic subjects at schools and universities – even where most of the population do not speak it as a first language.
So, what does it mean to speak English in a world with over 7,000 languages? How does its popularity affect the quality of education, the learning of other languages, and the evolution of the English language itself? And how can teachers ensure inclusivity for all students, regardless of their English proficiency?
Find out in this fascinating conversation between host Christine Wilson and Dr Harry Kuchah Kuchah, an expert in language education and social justice. And travel with us to Rwanda to hear first-hand experiences from Eric Mpozenzi, a trainer dedicated to developing the English language skills of the next generation of teachers.
Dive deeper:
Discover the Future of English – https://futureofenglish.britishcouncil.org
Read Harry’s paper on the challenges faced by multilingual children taught in
English in Cameroon - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2023.103216
Check out Harry’s report on how children experience learning when they are taught in a language that is not familiar to them - https://doi.org/10.57884/4CZ4-TT07
Read Harry’s paper on how girls can be excluded epistemically in English medium classrooms in Rwanda - https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2159031
See the latest trends in foreign language learning in schools across England - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/language-trends-england-2024
Find out more about the STELIR project –
https://www.britishcouncil.rw/programmes/education/secondary-teachers-english-language-improvement-rwanda-stelir
Interested in Pidgin? Check out this study on Shakespearean plays in Pidgin and why they matter - https://tinyurl.com/pidgin-shakespeare-essay
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Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight