A Global Language

a global language

A Global Language looks at the possibility of English used by most people in the world. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to consider to what extent language impacts our culture and identity and the advantages and disadvantages of having a global language.

  • Time

    30-40 minutes

  • Main Skill

    Reading

  • Theme and topic

    Identities - A Global Language

  • Download Available

    Reading Comprehension Exercise

Click on the tabs to begin.

Video
Reading
Vocabulary
Extension

Watch a video introducing the Endangered Languages Project. It is a website for people to find and share the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about the over 3,000 endangered languages of the world. What does preserving a local language help tp support in that community?

Read the text about why English should not be the international language of the world.

Adapted from Why English should not be the International Language of the World by Robert Neilsen.

Here are the keywords and phrases to learn:

  • academic articles
  • burdens
  • conscience support
  • equivalent
  • erecting barriers
  • historical baggage
  • linguistic reasons
  • native speakers
  • outright random
  • privilege
  • prospect
  • sidetracked
  • surrendering
  • unjust system

Answers for the Reading Comprehension
1. F 2. F 3. T 4. T 5. F 6. T 7. F 8. T

  1. Watch the film Sound and Fury or watch Heather Artinian's TED Talk to see how important language and culture are in relation to her identity.
  2. Imagine your school has developed a new policy with the aim of improving students' language skills that says students should speak English at school, both in class and in social situations. How would you feel if you were forced to use only English at school? Write a social media post to your friends describing your feelings about the new policy.

More reading tasks available now!

IB English B Language Skills

  • Listening & Speaking

    Skills to communicate both professionally and socially.

  • Reading

    Skills to stimulates imagination memory and recall information

  • Writing

    Skills to foster the ability to explain and refine ideas.

IB English B Themes

  • Experiences

    Opportunities to consider how events which take place impact an individual's life.

  • Human Ingenuity

    Opportunities to explore the sciences, technology and creativity.

  • Identities

    Opportunities to discover interests, values, belief and culture.

  • Sharing The Planet

    Opportunities to look at the challenges faced by individuals and communities in the modern world.

  • Social Organization

    Opportunities to explore the way in which groups of people organise themselves through common systems or interests.

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