50 Hour TEFL

of Western culture and ideals that the spread of the English language also carries. I worry that the teaching and learning of English in international classrooms is simply a vehicle for the spread of Western ideals and the creation of a homogenized world culture. Ideally, I would like to encourage English speakers to study other languages with the same voracity and necessity we expect out of English language learners. Another interesting factor of the spread of English is the possible demise of the language over time. Mydans reports that as ?English continues to spread, it is fragmenting, as Latin did, into a family of dialects - and perhaps eventually fully fledged languages - known as Englishes? (1). Some scholars expect English as a common world language to die out over time, also like Latin did. We have already seen many shifts in the English language as more causal or less grammatically regulated forms have grown with the use of technology. In addition to technologically reproduced English (internet, texts, emails), English has merged with local languages because so many people know enough to incorporate some words into their own vernacular. I do not personally worry about the ultimate demise of a grammatically sound English language, but I do see the importance of the instruction of a formal, grammar based English. While the spread of Western ideals and the demise of a formal English language are only two of the challenges of English as a global language, they are certainly

both topics that deserve much thought and attention as we continue to build English language programs in international education systems and in global business settings. I agree that communication across cultures and borders is important and ultimately the goal, but I also hope that we are able to incorporate a common language in with other world languages without any language or culture dying out. Carvajal, Doreen. Tuesday, April 10, 2007. ?In many business schools, the bottom line is in English?. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/world/europe/10iht-engbiz.2.5212499.html Mydans, Seth. Monday, April 9, 2007. ?As a new millennium begins, scholars say that about one-fourth of the world's population can communicate to some degree in English?. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/09/world/asia/09iht-englede.1.5198685.html