The Star Malaysia - Star2

Taking English to a higher level

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tHE English language has entrenched itself as a global language to be reckoned with. Its importance in the workplace and other areas cannot be denied.

Research has shown that one in four of the world’s population speaks English. Approximat­ely 375 million people use it as their first language and more than 375 million speak it as a second language. It has official status in at least 75 countries with a population of over two billion.

The widespread use of English in practicall­y all aspects of life and the workplace is unquestion­able. It is used as the main internatio­nal language in business communicat­ions, IT, education, journalism, pop music, advertisin­g, academic conference­s, travel, airports, air traffic control, science and technology, diplomacy, sports and the “official” language in internatio­nal events. It is synonymous with progress, power and modernity.

Nearly 80% of informatio­n stored in the world’s computers and 85% of Internet homepages are in English. In the field of ICT or informatio­n communicat­ion technologi­es, the position of English is unrivalled: It is the first language for about 68% of Web users.

Not only has the use of the English language changed in recent years, its multi-faceted applicatio­n in the global arena also makes it a language worthy of cognisance. Its importance and role in achieving this country’s vision of developed nation status by 2020 cannot be underestim­ated.

The English language is in fact the engine that drives the vehicle towards the achievemen­t of this goal. It is in this vein that a demand for teachers who specialise in the Teaching of English as a Second Language or TESL cannot be underestim­ated.

At the Management and Science University (MSU), rated twice as an “Excellent Status University” in Malaysia, courses leading to a diploma and degree in TESL are offered through the School of Education and Social Sciences (SESS).

The MSU-TESL programme differs from other TESL programme in the country because of its emphasis on the acquisitio­n of soft skills. These include the use of ICT, communicat­ion skills, public speaking, leadership skills, critical thinking and problem-solving embedded in the programme. The MSU-TESL programme is meticulous­ly crafted to enhance the graduate’s worth.

The university aspires to provide education that will enhance its graduates’ employabil­ity while enriching them with a learning

experience that is ethical.

For more enquiries on MSU’s TESL programme offered for upcoming intakes, call 03-5521 6868, visit www.msu.edu.my, e-mail enquiry@ msu.edu.my or send text message MSUINFO<space>name<space> your e-mail address to 019-341 9152 or 016-356 8251 or 012-249 6551.

 ??  ?? MSU’s SESS students showing appreciati­on for their teachers.
MSU’s SESS students showing appreciati­on for their teachers.

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