Welcome to what I hope will become an exciting tool to share, question, react to, and innovate in all areas dealing with English as a Business Language, whether for local or global purposes. What more can we add to such a common topic you might ask?
Whether we wish to reach new, yet unexplored heights or simply question what we have done so far, the quest is endless and so are the experiences that we have all had.
We are simply part of an ongoing historical movement to search for the best method or approach to teaching, finding and using new tools on the way. Meanwhile learners have and continue to acquire languages all over the world no matter how these are presented. Today, however, the global presence of English forces us to reconsider some of the assumptions on which we have based our teaching and our perception of language learning.
Whether we wish to reach new, yet unexplored heights or simply question what we have done so far, the quest is endless and so are the experiences that we have all had.
We are simply part of an ongoing historical movement to search for the best method or approach to teaching, finding and using new tools on the way. Meanwhile learners have and continue to acquire languages all over the world no matter how these are presented. Today, however, the global presence of English forces us to reconsider some of the assumptions on which we have based our teaching and our perception of language learning.
It is to encourage this type of reflection among teachers of business English that this blog was created.
Hi rose a very good effort. Please can you change the interface to be in English as I know a little French.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Abdelghani
I look forward to hearing which assumptions you are thinking of this post.
ReplyDeleteHi Abdelghani!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to change the interface! I have tried but haven't managed...
Hi Rosemarie, your question is quite pertinent (what more can be added to English as a Business Language?). With all the rapid social and technological changes that we are all living with at the moment, I think we do need to stop and reflect. For although we train professionals to use English, we are also training them within pre-set cultural assumptions and expectations. Two skills which are strongly influenced by local culture are presentations and meetings. In some places of the world participants of a meeting (and even a presentation) are given the complete script of the talk and simply follow the speaker with the script. As trainers I think we need to be aware of all the cultural nuances that our trainees may encounter. English may be a global language, but our learners need to be equipped with good inter-cultural skills as well.And these often stem from reflecting.
ReplyDeleteReflections on best practices to meet learners' needs (as well as our needs as teachers) is never too much.
Love the freshness of your site!
Cristina
To change interface language try this http://www.blogger.com/language.g
ReplyDeleteHello
ReplyDeleteSorry to be commenting so late. Like Cristina, I like the fresh look of your site and a very clear purpose. I think the cultural awareness is of paramount importance, especially now when due to technological advancement the world seems to be shrinking. However, the technology is there not only to bring us together but to promote the diversity and tolerance for the other. I think there should be place for that in language teaching too so looking forward to more of your thoughts on this topic!
Happy blogging :-)
Ania