As an English Language Trainer, one of the first things I ask my clients is why they are learning English and what effect English has on their lives.
Photo: British Council
This is the same question that the British Council has asked and is asking in their new exhibition, “The English Effect”. On their website, there is a video where a few people from around the world were asked the question: ‘What does English mean to you?’. Here were some of their replies.
‘For me, English means’:
- opportunities to travel
- being connected to the rest of the world
- a universal language
- my working language
- understanding the lyrics of all my favourite singers who are English speakers
- I belong
- a passport to the world
- better career opportunities
Some, like Didier Drogba the footballer said that he simply wanted to learn English so that he could communicate with the world and for the pleasure of speaking it.
According to the British Council, over 1.5 billion people are learning English. That is one in seven of the world population. That is just incredible.
So, I’d like to ask you the same question – What is the Effect of English on your Life?
I’d love you to share your answers here on this blog post. I look forward to them.
Ciao for now.
Shanthi
Source: British Council Website
