Impact of English and TESOL in the Middle East - Essay Example

Introduction: The Middle East is predominantly made up of ancient Semitic languages that have been in existence for around at least five thousand years. Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish are the predominant mother languages or mother tongues, as they are known there. The Levant areas, which is made up of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Israel and Jordan[Kac92]. It is in these areas of the Middle East that Aramaic, Arabic, Syriac and Hebrew are spoken as first languages. The English and French languages are also spoken in these areas as a second language. The Gulf States that are made up of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates Oman, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait are predominantly Arabic speaking. The Arabic language is both the official and local language of the gulf countries. English is hardly ever used in these countries except communicating with foreigners in the country or in international relations or business. It is also used in international schools and learning institutions which mostly caters for foreigners workers in the Middle East[Alh96]. The institutions that use English as a Foreign Language are broadly divided into two categories. The first category is institutions that teach the English language as a foreign language in non-English speaking countries. These institutions maybe international or local in nature and may conduct all their learning in English or offer it as a language course. The second category is learning institutions in English speaking countries, which tutor foreign learners to use English. The foreign learner maybe a student that is enrolled in a formal learning institution in pursuit of certification or an immigrant who enrolls in English classes in order to gain the use of the English language for daily living. The discovery of oil in the gulf countries made it necessary for them to engage in economic activities with the rest of the world that were mainly English speaking. In fact, most of the imported labor that was needed was English speaking and therefore made it necessary for businesspersons to learn the language. The technological advances in the world have changed it into a global village, which has forced many to learn English, which is the most commonly, used language in the world. Culture The internet and globalization has bought on a change of lifestyle changes around the world. This has brought an awareness of goods and services around the world via the internet and media. The consumption culture of regions has therefore expanded to include international products and services. This has brought on a change of lifestyles for many around the world. Media whether in print or television has greatly influenced different cultures into westernization through the constant exposure programs. The English language has therefore played a role as a majority of film, television programs and books use the English language. Globalization has also bolstered political relationships between countries. No country in the world can afford to live in isolation and must strive to gets its share of the international pie in political influence and power, sports, business, tourism and all things international. The quest for political relationships on an international level makes it necessary to learn and use internationally influential languages such as the English language, which has widespread use across the world. International tourists and owners of vacation destinations also need to have a command of the English language to as a medium of communication. Immigrants to USA, Canada, Australia, and UK need to acquire a good command of the spoken and written language of the English language. This is because English is the official and commonly spoken language. The studies on culture like archeology and other studies in Middle Eastern culture are carried out in English. Those locals who work with such teams have to learn English in order to communicate and work with such expeditions, which have cultural impact on the history and past cultural understanding. Education The schools and college education systems in English speaking countries or in countries that use English as the official language will require one to have a knowledge of English. In countries where English is not spoken or used as the official language then it can be taught for translation purposes. Books that were originally written in other languages can be translated into English for use in their field and vice-versa[Jer07]. Many countries make use of the English language in their academic institutions even where the language is not spoken or used as an official language. There are many summer trainings for foreign learners in native speaking English countries, which are also open to native speakers who had little formal education. The English language has limitations in the translation of many languages, which have a broader and more expanded meaning of words. Some languages such as Arabic can have more than ten meanings for English. The learning of English though at times limiting can help the learner of English had better appreciate his or her own language. It can also help English learners to better appreciate other. “Affiliates have been a part of the organizational structure of TESOL since 1969, when nine associations applied for and were granted affiliate status. TESOL is affiliated with more than 100 independent associations with total membership of more than 47,000 professionals.” [TES15] Media Most television and radio networks use the English language as their preferred medium of communication and even those who do not still translate their broadcasts in English in order to reach a broader audience. The media is more aware of the usage of world language since it is their business tool of communication. Most soaps, series, documentaries, news broadcasts and advertisements are carried out in English. This is also because most of these media productions are done in English speaking countries or in countries that use English as a spoken language. The internet is mostly a predominantly English domain. Social networks use the language of their users who are from predominantly English speaking countries[Alh96]. Media has become a very powerful marketing tool and it would do well for any business to take advantage of its power if it hopes to make better sales. This has not been lost on Middle Eastern business who is now marketing their products such as airlines, vacation destinations and other products internationally. Most of the advertisements have been done in English. Middle Eastern countries have also seen it fit to advertise themselves and their culture to the world in order to boost their economies by attracting investors, labor and consumers. The Middle Eastern countries have some of the oldest archeological sites in the world, which are great tourist attractions. This has made it necessary to have the knowledge of English in order to cater to domestic trade that is brought on by foreigners. Advertisement , control of media content, government functions in foreign relations also use media and internet in their activities[Alh96]. Conclusion: The English language has influenced the diplomatic, business, educational, political and cultural aspects of Middle Eastern countries. The Middle Eastern counties have been able to establish consulates in other countries where they use English as the medium of communication. This has been in helpful, as it has reduced the need for learning and using many foreign dialects. This is very important in diplomacy as it avoids miscommunication, which can be caused by poor interpretation or lack of understanding. There are many dialects and languages around the world that have a written dialect. The use of a language like English that has a written and documented use of its language is very useful in ensuring smooth communication.[Kac92] The Middle Eastern counties predominantly use English in its international relations. Many people in these countries also seek foreign education abroad for their children in order to prepare them for the future in business, politics and all sectors of life. Most of this education is English based. People in the Middle East are beginning to get motivated to learn English for travel, education, diplomacy, politics, and cultural reasons. Foreign education opens up international opportunities for the people of the Middle East. The diplomat who has an international education in English is better prepared to handle missions in English speaking nations or those who use English as a state language. They are also more likely to suffer from cultural barriers in other counties since they will be able to understand the language. They will most likely have interacted with other foreign nationals in the course of their studies and will be better able to handle cultural differences. This understanding of cultural differences is helpful in international politics and business interactions.[Alh96] NOTE: I would recommend you search for some articles in TESOL Quarterly or the Arab World English Journal or similar sources. Read More