I expect that the reading project enriches my inner world, improves my grammar and my spelling. Reading gives us access to knowledge and power and can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. I also want to get a better understanding of why our world society has come to what it is today and why there are so many differences crosswise of our cultures. Especially when we are so connected in other areas like import and export, technology, the entertainment industry and communication via Internet. I want to learn how to envision our society decades ahead so that I can do my duty as a citizen and take part of the community. I understand I may not get all of my expectations fulfilled in just one literary work, but it certainly is a start.
TASK 2A
The great power that comes with the English language
English surrounds us every single day, whether it is through a novel, texting, chatting online, articles, slang or music. It is a widespread language that most of the non- English speaking countries use as a communication tool with other non- English and English speaking populations. Not only is it because of the United Kingdom’s colonies that English is so widespread, but also because of the great power that came with it. To this date the United Kingdom and the United States of America have had a huge impact on the world because of their literature, business opportunities, ideas for a functional society and their entertainment industry. But why is it so important for us to learn English?
Communication is a keyword when discussing the importance of reading English. On the World Wide Web English is the main language and on most Internet pages it is crucial that one can understand English. For instance, most of the industrial world uses the internet to stay connected, therefore being able to understand English is more crucial than ever. From a social standpoint, people who do not know how to read or write English could have big difficulties on a daily basis. For example, they often have trouble travelling. Consequently, those who are English illiterate may not be able to explore new cultures and this could keep him or her from experiential learning.
The media gives people the opportunity to learn new information about the world, people, events and places. In a working life, it is important to know what is going on in the world in order to be successful, and the medias main language is of course English. With good English skills, one can also expand their companies’ horizon with international partners, which is followed by even more success. The companies can take part of a bigger international community and speak to a greater public. On a global perspective, the English language in working life can also help prevent some of the poverty problems the world is facing. In addition to helping poor populations out of troubled areas, the poor society can through English communicate with other industrial countries and get collaborations in order to help not only individuals, but a society as a whole. This also helps future generations. Another thing is that some of the African countries only have 13 % gender equality because the women are unqualified. With good English skills, they could have left the country to study abroad, then return to their homeland and work for the government. The president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson is the first female president in any African country, and she studied abroad. It is important to understand that most of the responsibility lies with the government of the developing countries, but that in order for them to get there; they need not only information but also knowledge on how to introduce the English language to their population.
To improve my English skills, I believe I should read for enjoyment. Reading more will speed up the development of general knowledge, vocabulary and verbal fluency. Clark and Rumbold (2006, p. 6) states that reading for our own enjoyment is ‘reading that we do of our own free will, anticipating the satisfaction that we will get from the act of reading. It also refers to reading that having begun at someone else’s request we continue because we are interested in it.’
Reading for enjoyment gives a positive attitude to reading, and the more you read the better you get. Another important factor when improving my English skills is that I have to use the language orally. This will help expand my vocabulary and improve pronunciation.
There are many reasons why people should learn English. Great writing skills are sure to earn respect. On the contrary, poor writing will be difficult to understand, and will leave a bad impression about the character. On a global perspective, it is fascinating to see how English skills can affect not only an individual, but a whole population. In addition to this, learning English will enrich your character and make you more wanted in a business context.
References
Updated: Feb 21, 2009
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2122007/Illiterate-Britain-One-adults-struggling-read-write-t-use-chequebook.html
Updated: 10:13 GMT, 29 March 2012
http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/literacy/files/links/Reading_for_Enjoyment_9_1_1.pdf
Updated: Resource Paper: Consultative Draft November 2010
http://www.globalis.no/Land/Liberia/(show)/mdg
Updated: unkown
Updated: 16 September 2010
Updated: January 2012
Updated: 27 January 2007
