English language and global competitiveness

HOW do you think we measure our global competitiveness through our knowledge and use of the English language? Do we measure it up with the number of Korean influx in our country? Is it because there are many Koreans coming here to study English we can say we are globally competitive? Or, is it because we now even think about removing our own Filipino language subject from our school curriculum it indicates that we are better English language speakers that can brush elbows with the rest of the English-speaking countries? Personally, you can say so the above-mentioned. They are undeniably true. Koreans won’t be here should they find Filipino ignorant or in a way challenged with the English language. It is not because it is cheaper here in the Philippines, but even with our Filipino accent that is inevitable at times, we are better speakers than Indians, or the best among Asians and the developing countries around the world. When it comes to the intention of removing the Filipino language, advocates see the obvious reason that Filipino can communicate more in English as all medium are 70-80% in English, thus, they argue what is the need for Filipino subject anymore.

The moving of Koreans in the country to learn English and the possible eradication of the Filipino subject from school curriculum because of medium in 70 - 80 percent English are just two of the worldwide indicators of how English as a universal language is controlling if not monopolizing the communication spectrum. To say that the usage of English Language has become significant in our daily life is an understatement. Because English is the universal language spoken everywhere, its importance globally cannot be denied and

ignored. With the aid of modern technologies, especially online, English plays a major role in many sectors – may it be in the fields of education, business, engineering, medicines, research and development - in as far as global competitiveness is concerned. What students must know and what we must teach our students are at least the five essentials skills such as reading, listening, speaking, writing, and grammar for them to be part of the growing population of the global education. Not mastering such skills, student may be eliminated from the global trend of education.

Furthermore, studying the English as the universal language will help you further your studies whether here in the country, or abroad. It will also ensure that you get a better job and help you with your future job, especially with the English Only Policy that is now common and is a requirement in most of the employing companies. English is found most useful when you travel whether for leisure or for business. When it comes to entertainment, English will help you understand the vast form of literature that could either be visual or performed or literary.

English is the tool we need to communicate in this modern world. This language helps us to express our thoughts and feelings, to talk, to exchange views, and to communicate person to person wherever we live. While it is considered as the main language but now takes an important part in the fields of education, we can predict that the English language will continue to develop and bring us more advantages in the near future, and maybe will become as the only language in the world in the years to come. ( Paid article)