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≪FIRST HALF≫

<Agenda>

Why do we learn English, not other language?

In today’s globalized world, English is now commonly used by non-native English speakers to communicate with each other. English is the standard language of the world now.

It is natural that people think that English is a convenient language that can be understood everywhere, and that therefore English is sufficient as a foreign language.

However, universities offer courses in German, Chinese, and other languages in addition to English. Many young people are interested in studying other languages, for example, Korea for understanding K-pop culture. While English is becoming more and more important, which language do we need to learn?

In Japanese university, 53% of them mentioned that the main purpose of studying foreign language is “intercultural understanding”. Other objectives include “communication skills” (including “to develop a positive attitude toward communication” and “to build self-confidence”), “acquisition of language knowledge as a liberal arts education” . and “to connect to one’s field of specialization”, “to connect to specialized fields,” and so on. Actually, do you study English for ‘intercultural understanding’ or ‘communication skill up’?

Honestly, I started to study English because I wanted to work in other countries, which include non-native English area. After going through that experience, I feel that local language is more important than English for communication or intercultural understanding with local members.

But my English skill is also important for me to be selected as overseas expatriates and can appeal my position. And I dig into why I wanted to work in other countries, I found I wanted to understand how local members feel under variant situation. So local language is very important for my real purpose in overseas life.

We should divide the purpose of the studying language between English and others.

Please re-think the purpose to study English and if you want to understand non-native English culture, option is not just English.

 <Questions>

1.  What is your main reason for studying English, and has it changed over time?

2.  Have you ever felt that English alone is not enough to truly understand another culture?

　  If so, in what kind of situation?

3.  If you could fluently speak one more language besides English, which would you choose?

　  How would it benefit your life or career?

＜Reference＞

Jstage『研究ノート Forschungsbericht 外国語教育と「異文化理解」 „Interkulturelles Verständnis“ im Fremdsprachenunterricht 』草本　晶

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/deutschunerricht/23/0/23_75/_pdf/-char/ja

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