English speaking

English is called the ‘language of communication’. Why? It gives the impression that everyone has agreed to use English to communicate effectively.

• Approximately 1, 500,000,000 people in the world speak English.
• About 1,000,000,000 are learning the language.
• 75% of the world's letters and postcards are written in English.
• Nearly all international competitions and conferences are conducted in English. For example, the Miss World contest and the Olympics.
• Diplomats and politicians from different countries use English for their business communication.
• English is the chief language of organizations like the NATO, the European Free Trade Association and the United Nations.

English speaking country: The English language is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is the first language for almost everyone in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

English is without doubt the most widely understood and taught language in the world and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘world lingua franca’. Even though Modern standard Chinese has comparatively more patrons, more people use the English language as a foreign language or the second, official language. This makes the total number of people who use the English language worldwide more than one and a half billion. Countries like Istanbul have guides and books published in English, to make it easier for natives and visitors.

The English language is a mixed bag of words borrowed, created or simply handed down vocabulary, over 2000 years. It is still spreading, trading and changing itself as time passes. The language cannot be called pure, as there are many derivations from other languages.

Learn-to-Speak English courses: Learning a language is incomplete, without learning how to speak it well. It is easy to teach individuals who have English as their first language. Culture is an essential part of teaching any language. Native or foreign teachers teach in countries where English is a second or one of the ‘other’ languages offered. It is necessary to know the correct pronunciations and phonetics, before framing a course syllabus.

A very common tip given to beginners and one that helps to speed-up the language learning process is to buy an English dictionary. This is very helpful when you come across a new word. The dictionary should be a learner or student version and not a native one. There are various websites that offer free online classrooms to learn ‘how to read and speak the English language’.

English Speaking union: The English-Speaking Union or ESU is an international educational charity organization, founded in 1918. Its basic motive is to promote ‘international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language’.

The main objectives of the ESU are:

• Set a forum for international friendship through its support of the worldwide network of ESU.
• Facilitate and assist the establishment and recognition of ESU worldwide.
• Focus on key current affairs issues through regular international conferences, seminars and meetings.
• Promote English in international public speaking and debate for the support of worldwide communication and dialogue.
• Support constructive use of English through educational programs.
• Set and administer international youth exchange and work experience schemes.
• Create a platform for cultural activities.
• Ensure the coordination and coherence of activities through the skill and dedication of the existent staff and voluntary helpers.
• Work in close and innovative partnership with sponsors and corporate members.