• TEACHING OF GENERAL ENGLISH

Unit –I

Preliminary Statement

• Language is a divine gift of articulate speech through which a social group co-operates

• It is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols

• Range of variations in the language definitions

* general

* formal features

• Definition of Language

A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.(Wardaugh).

A language is a symbol system based on pure of arbitrary conventions….infinitely extendable and modifiable according to the changing needs and conditions of the speakers.(Robins).

Language is purely human and non-instinctive method of communication ideas,emotions and desires by means of voluntarily produced symbols

***”in all forms of human behavior“

what is life is what is language.

Function & purpose

communicative Non-communicative

Emotional expression

Social interaction

Power of sound

Instrument of thought

srtuctureTwo level model

Language

form meaning

language

phonetics phonology grammar semantics

English is a West Germanic language spoken originally in England, and is now the most widely used language in the world. 

It is spoken as a first language by a majority of the inhabitants of several nations.

English is called as international language

• The United Kingdom, the United States,Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Caribbean nations.

• It is the third most common native language in the world, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

•  It is widely learned as a second language and is an official language of the European Union, many Commonwealth countries and the United Nations, as well as in many world organizations.

What is English as a Second Language?

• ESL or ELL may stand for English as Second Language or English Language Learners

• Students that have a primary language other than English can be serviced in all states

• This is available in all grade levels, K-12.

• English has been playing an important role in our educational system as well in our social life.

• The NEP remarks that special emphasis need to be paid on the study of english .

• Today english is used , in all corners of the world by people from all walks of life.

The status of English in india today

Importance of English

English as an international languageAs an official language of administration As A language of courtAs a language of international trade and industryIn our social lifeAs a window on the modern worldAs a link languageAs a library languageEnglish in mediaIn our Educational System

English as an International Language

It helps in interlinking the people living in different countries

It is the common means of communication

Better understanding of different countries

Knowledge of English will make a person a citizen of the world

Over 1000 million speakers

900 million people in the Indian sub continent

Semi-official language over 60 countries

Over two third of world’s scientist write in English English remains the leading international language, with an estimated 1.5 billion speakers across the world. It is the language of modern scholarship, the internet and technology, the global media and advertising, international politics and diplomacy, and particularly, global business. 

AS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

More than 200 years Declared as associate official language (Act of parliament 1963) Dominates the administrative business (centre &states) All document and agreements are in English Recognized as a associate official language with Hindi The State governments orders also communicated in both languages English &Regional language All central Government communication provided in English version

As a Language of International Trade &Industry

The prolific growth of English is both a result and cause of globalization. The boom in international trade has brought people from all cultures and countries together to exchange goods and services.The role that English has played in driving global trade and reducing the sense of distance between countriesEnglish has increasingly become the ‘lingua franca’ for international trade. This is powerfully underlined by the calculation that an estimated 80 per cent of those communicating in English are non-native speakers. 

As a language of court

Still continues to be the language of courtThere is no suitable language for legal transaction supreme courts ,High courts ,District courts Cases are presented &judgments are given in EnglishIn our social Life Take in English write letters in English Invitation cards ,social functions printed in English Signature

As a library language Key to the store house of knowledge This-Most important role in India World knowledge enshrined in English Law, medicine ,engineering ,Agriculture

Science and technology books available only in English

More than 70% of books printed in English

Higher Education –English is the medium of Instruction

The Indian Education Commission Stressed that English would play a vital role in higher education as an important library language

As a window on the modern WorldAs a window on the modern World

• English is our window on the modern world” through which we can see the scientific ,technological, agricultural ,commercial and literary development taking place in the world

(gain modern Knowledge)• Dr.Radhakrishnan commission

observed English is a language rich in literature abounded with humanistic, scientific and technical knowledge “

• Scientific mastery of English is the Only way to achieve the treasure of knowledge.

English in our Educational System

• It is the main medium of instruction at PG level

• Taught as a second language at every stage of education in all states of India

• Three language formula -1960• 10+2+3 system-1978• It is taught as a compulsory subject• RIE have been set up to train

teachers• Medical ,law, scientific researches is

in English

As a link language

• Different states and different languages English link them together

• English is our link other countries of the world• It is only with English we can establish

social,economic,cultural and political relationship with other countries of the world.

• ENGLISH is serves as a bridge between East &West

English in MediaDominant role in media

It is used as a medium of inter-state communication

Maximum number of magazines ,news papers printed in English

English as a Language of opportunity Offers job opportunity