Unit 8 English In A Shrinking World English In A Changing World Unit 8 English In A Shrinking World

Introduction: Today We Will: Activity 3: Activity 1: Activity 4: Examine the concept of a ‘shrinking’ world and the changes that have been effected over time. Activity 2: Understand some linguistic arguments for and against the use of English as a global language. Review the cultural value of English. Activity 3: Review your perceptions of your own ability in English in terms of ‘repertoire’, ‘auditory skills’ and memory. Activity 4: Review your achievements over time and through this course of study. Reflect on your goals for the future insofar as English is concerned. Briefly review this course.

A Shrinking World: Whose World? Unit 8: Activity 1

Shrinking Whose World?

Shrinking Which World? Activity 1: Task 1 (pp 361-364) Whose world is being shrunk? Which world is being shrunk? Who is doing the shrinking?

Some Statements: Read the following statements and say whether they are True (T) or False (F) Marco Polo took three years to get to China from Europe. In the 19th century the journey from England to Australia took nine months. Planes, today fly from Holland to China in 9 hours. Most people cannot afford to fly. Most people in the world need access to radio and TV in order to communicate effectively. The concept of a ‘shrinking’ world indicates how accessible the world has become for all people.

Early Communication: Activity 1: Task 2 (pp 365-366) Complete the following sentences by choosing the most correct answer from A, B, C and D. 1. Communication problems in the world were caused by: Judaeo-Christians Babylonians Humankind God 2. In the beginning everyone: spoke different languages spoke the same language couldn’t follow instructions had to work very hard 3. The word ancient word ‘babel’ means: A loud noise A lot of shouting A confusion of sounds An unfinished tower

The World’s Your Oyster Tim! Activity 1: Tasks 3-4 (pp367-370) These Words ….. are the same as saying: A ‘gap year’ ……………………… ‘working around the world’ …….. ‘round the world air tickets’ …….. ‘international phone cards’ ……… ‘student travel insurance’ ………... ‘travellers cheques’ ……………….

English In A Shrinking World: Why? Unit 8: Activity 2

Arguments For English becoming THE global language: Activity 2: Tasks 1-2 (pp 371-378) Read the following statements and say whether they are True (T) or False (F) 1. The only arguments for English being THE global language are historical and cultural. 2. English is easy to learn according to Steven. 3. English has, generally, regular plurals. 4. Steven and Wang Ling believe that English is not easy to learn. 5. English is more musical and more exact than other languages. 6. English as a global language will be important to everyone.

Arguments Against English becoming THE global language: Activity 2: Task 3 (pp 379-382) Does (the global use of) English threaten other languages? Has the use of English threatened national identity in some countries? What is ‘cultural imperialism’? Would you like a Dubonnet?

Cultural Imperialism:

Language Learning And Decision Making: Unit 8: Activity 3

Evaluating Your English Ability: Activity 3: Tasks 1-3 (pp 383-387) A ‘language repertoire’ means ……….. How far does your language repertoire extend? Are you interested in extending your language repertoire? An ‘auditory memory’ refers to ………. How good is your auditory memory? In what ways can you improve your auditory memory skills?

Principled Decision Making In Language Study: Activity 3: Task 4 (pp387-394) Some decisions for Tim (based on conversation (pp379-380) Should Tim continue with his planned trip? Should Tim cut his trip short and improve his German? Should Tim cut his trip short and begin Japanese study? What Do You Think?

The Road Not Taken (Robert Frost) TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Some Questions And Decisions: Conversation (pp391-393) How much do you need to know about English? How does ‘additional’ information about English help a learner? Professor Guide suggests learners can ‘increase your control of language’: What does this mean? What is your ‘perspective’ of English? What impact do decisions made by ‘large bodies’ have on learners? What does being an ‘international person’ mean?

Your Changing English Unit 8: Activity 4

Reviewing What You Achieved: Activity 4: Tasks 1-2 (pp395-399) What did I learn from this course? Where do I stand in the international community of language users? Does my ‘idiolect’ make me look like an idiot? Does my aural capacity make me a competent international user of English? Are the targets I set myself in oral and written English acceptable and achievable?

Some Revision And Ideas: Activity 4: Task 3 (pp399-404) Read the following statements and say whether they are True (T) or False (F) 1. English in a Changing World focuses on linguistics and description. 2. The English language is not really one language. 3. Standard English is quite stable and important internationally. 4. There is no doubt that Standard English is THE best English for people to study. 5. The cost of studying English is worth the time and effort.

Some Revision And Ideas: Activity 4: Task 3 (pp399-404) Read the following statements and say whether they are True (T) or False (F) 6. Students should look at exams from the examiner’s point of view. 7. Every examination set for students has its limitations. 8. The best way to revise is read through the book. Preparing for the exam is best done with a friend. 10. Written English does not play an important part in the examination of English Through Literature.

Review: Today We Have: Activity 3: Activity 1: Activity 4: Activity 2: Examined the concepts associated with a ‘shrinking’ world and seen what changes have been effected over time, especially in terms of international communication. Activity 2: Understood some linguistic arguments for and against the use of English as a global language, and reviewed the cultural value of English. Activity 3: Reviewed your own perception of your ability in English in terms of ‘repertoire’, ‘auditory skills’ and memory. Activity 4: Reviewed your achievements over time, and through this course of study. Reflected on your goals for the future in English. Briefly reviewed the important aspects of this course of study. Made some suggestions as to how to revise and prepare for the course examination.

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