Page 12 - ELG2404 April Issue 489

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RESEARCH

The key to a world of opportunities

How does English shape both our professional and personal lives?

Pearson’s Mike Mayor explores the impact of English around the world.

n today’s interconnected world, effective travel and discover new
cross-border communication is more crucial countries and cultures. The
than ever. A new report from Pearson report even cites instances
Ihighlights the pivotal role played by English where English proficiency
proficiency in accessing career opportunities empowers individuals to
and personal growth. How English empowers increase their presence on
your tomorrow highlights a significant gap social media, a significant
between the demand for strong English platform for communication
language skills and the current state of English and self-expression in
language training as part of both formal today’s world.
education and in the workplace. Social media and English-
speaking entertainment
Why English matters for careers are not only motivators for
The research, conducted in five countries learning English but are
– Japan, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and also forms of media that
the US – reveals a strong consensus among people are using to improve
survey respondents when asked about the their English. With only
importance of English for their careers. one in three employers providing language • Educators: educational institutions need to
Among them, 85% believe that proficiency training, and financial considerations blocking move away from a grammar-heavy approach
in English has an impact on professional many from online or face-to-face tutoring, and focus on developing real-world
opportunities, rising to almost nine in the study found that around a third of communication skills, such as creating
10 who believe that its importance will respondents use social media, online games opportunities for students to use English in
continue over the next five years. This and English-speaking entertainment as ways the classroom, with greater emphasis on the
sentiment is particularly pronounced among to upskill their language proficiency. For productive skills of speaking and writing.
younger generations, with 92% of Gen Z Gen Z especially, watching movies and TV • Employers: employers looking to
and Millennials predicting its continued in English emerged as key when it comes to build productive teams and foster staff
significance. language learning. These findings highlight engagement need to incorporate English
Despite this widespread recognition of the power of informal learning methods and language training into their learning and
the value of English, however, the report the increasing role technology is playing in development strategy.
also identifies a critical skills gap. People are language acquisition today. • Learners: EdTech, such as adaptive
leaving formal education without the English learning platforms, mobile apps, and online
skills they need in the workplace. As a result, The education gap resources, mean that learners can now take
90% of employees expressed a desire for their While social media and entertainment ownership of their own learning, personalise
employers to provide additional language certainly have a role to play, the report their approach and focus on areas where
training, to support them in acquiring the skills emphasises the need for a systematic review they need the most improvement.
they need for work, but only a third currently of English language learning as part of formal
have access to such programs. Further, 72% education systems around the world. Whilst In a globalised economy, the ability to
said they would find their job easier if they had the survey respondents had spent an average communicate effectively in English is no
better English skills. All of which indicates of just over six years studying English, the longer a luxury but a necessity. By recognising
that organisations are missing a trick when it research reveals a disconnect between what is the importance of English proficiency,
comes to increasing productivity, motivating taught in schools and the skills needed in the investing in quality language training, and
employees and developing high functioning workplace. Around 55% of respondents felt embracing new learning methods, individuals
teams. A failure to invest in their workforce’s that their formal education hadn’t adequately and organisations can unlock a world of
language skills could be having a direct impact prepared them with the necessary English opportunity. By working together, we can
on their ability to operate effectively as part of level and skills needed once they joined the empower the workforce to thrive in a
the global economy. workforce. They cited too much focus on global environment, fostering better career
grammar and vocabulary instead of practical prospects, personal growth, and stronger
Why English matters for personal applications like conversation and real-world communication across borders.
development communication skills as the main reasons for
The benefits of strong English proficiency not achieving the level of English needed for Mike Mayor is Senior
extend far beyond the world of work. Nearly their work. Director, Global Scale of
80% of respondents consider English to English at Pearson. Mike joined
be important in their personal lives. The A call to action Pearson in 2003 and headed
findings reflect the power of English as Pearson’s Impact of English report paints up the Longman dictionaries
an enabler when it comes to connecting a clear picture: strong English language
with others, fostering new friendships, and proficiency is a powerful tool for both personal list until his move to the Global
boosting confidence. English gives access to and professional success. However, in order Scale of English in 2013. Mike has a BA (Hons)
a wider range of entertainment and sources to bridge the current skills gap, a number in French Language and Literature and a
of information, especially online. It opens of actions need to be taken by the different Masters in English and Applied Linguistics from
up study options and makes it easier to stakeholders: Cambridge University.
12 April 2024