Discussion: English as a Global Language?

Please complete the following as preparation for this discussion:

Materials

• Watch Jay Walker’s TED talk, “The World’s English Mania”
• Watch English teacher Patricia Ryan’s TED Talk, “Don’t Insist on English”
• Find additional credible resources on the internet to support ideas for and against the issue for debate.

Structure

Our final class discussion will be in the form of a debate. In debates, two groups are given a statement, and each group is assigned to either take the “affirmative” (agreeing) or “negative” (disagreeing) stance on the statement. When you arrive in class on the day of the debate, you will be randomly assigned to a group.

Therefore, you should prepare for the discussion by carefully understanding the reasons and evidence for BOTH sides of the issue. 

The statement for debate is the following: “English should be emphasized and taught as the ‘global language’ in order to facilitate communication between societies/cultures and allow individuals to participate actively and successfully in our globalized world.”

In class, your group will have 15 minutes to prepare what it will say to “affirm” or “negate” the statement. The groups take turns speaking, and each person will be expected to speak at least once. (At the end, we will save time for everyone to give their own personal opinions on the issue!)