Individual Paper.docx

Introduction The English language is considered as a global language because it is the most spoken language around the world. It began to spread during the 17th century with the British Empire and in the 20th century was strongly reinforced by the USA world domination in economic, political and scientific aspects1. Nowadays, English is used by most people in their everyday life for business, technology, trade and for entertainment all over the world. Here in Argentina, teenagers are exposed to the English language mainly because of the use of the internet where they can find information, music, films, games, and the different social media. However, this global language is not only useful for entertainment, but also for communication in the current processes of economic, technological, scientific and cultural expansion2. Because of this, in 2006 the “Ley de Educación Nacional 26.206 3” introduce the English language learning as mandatory at primary and secondary level4. The purpose of this study was to examine if students from secondary school in Argentina really realize the importance the English language has in their life and in their future. In order to obtain answers, 18 students from private and state-run schools have been surveyed.

Theoretical Background English is considered a global language because it has grown worldwide. People use the global language to simplify communication between people from other countries. From the 17th century onwards, English language began to be spread over the world. It is due to important factors such as the power of the British Empire, the importance of the Industrial Revolution in England and the emerge of USA as a political and economic superpower after the 1st and 2nd World War5. Besides, English spreads as a consequence of America Technological domination. As regards Argentina, English was introduced in the curriculum design in selected public schools in the early 1900s. However, it was only taught at secondary level, which was neither free nor compulsory. Learning a second language became mandatory at primary and secondary education levels under the 2006 “Ley de Educación Nacional”. English curriculums for both primary and David Crystal (2nd edition 2003) “ English as a global language” Chap.1 “Why a global language?” 1 2

Dirección General de Cultura (2006). Diseño curricular de Inglés, Segundo Ciclo. Buenos Aires, Ministerio de Educación. Pag. 9 3 “ National Education Law” British Council (May 2015) “English in Argentina” Page18. “English language learning analysis.” David Crystal (2nd edition 2003) “ English as a global language” Chap.2 “Why english? The historical context.” 4 5

secondary level were created in many provinces. Even though the law did not specify which foreign language has to be taught, most provinces promote English in their schools, Buenos Aires included. According to the Curriculum Design, ELT enable students from secondary school to6:     

Be inserted in the work of globalized world. Have access to the world of technology and science. Expand their communicative competence. Consolidate their own identity and develop the comprehension of other cultures. Develop their critical thought.

Methodology In order to carry out my investigation, eighteen students of English from secondary school were surveyed. All of them attended secondary school in Western Greater Buenos Aires including Morón, Castelar, Ituzaingo, Merlo and Moreno. The survey consisted of four multiple choices questions and two open questions. The aim of these questions was to discover whether students from secondary school consider The English language important for their lives and for their future or not. The questions were written in Spanish since it is students´ native language and the surveys were designed in a digital format to make it easier for the interviewees to answer them. Results Eighteen students of English from secondary school took the survey. Sixteen of the respondents attended a state school and only two attend a private school. When students were asked if they enjoyed the subject of English, 55.6% answered “to a small extent.” “To a fair extent” was chosen by 33,3% of the respondents, whereas “to a large extent” and “Not at all” were chosen both by only 5,6% of the respondents (Figure 1).

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Dirección General de Cultura (2006). Diseño curricular de Inglés, Segundo Ciclo. Buenos Aires, Ministerio de Educación. Pag. 9 y 10.

Do you enjoy the subject of English? 5.6

5.6

To a large extent

33.3

To a fair extent To a small extent

55.6

Not at all

FIGURE 1

When students were asked to say if they use the English language in any aspects of their life, 66, 7% of the respondents answered “No” and the other 33,3% answered “Yes.” In the open question “In what aspect of your life do you use English? only six students answered. Three of the students agreed on using English for games and internet, two of the respondents answered they use English to talk with people who native language is English and one answered that he/she used English for everyday answers of affirmation. When students were asked, “Do you think learning English is important?”61, 1% of the respondents answered “To a large extent.” 22.2% of students answered “To a fair extent” and 16, 7% chose the option “To a small extent” (Figure 2).

Do you think learning English is important? 0

16.7 To a large extent To a fair extent To a small extent

22.2 61.1

Not at all

Figure 2 When students were asked if they considered studying English will be useful for their future, 61.1% of the respondents answered “To a large extent.” 27.8% chose the option “To a fair extent” and the 11.1% answered “to a small extent”. None chose the option “Not at all” (Figure 3).

Do you consider studying English will be useful for your future? 0 11.1 To a large extent To a fair extent

27.8

To a small extent 61.1

Not al all

FIGURE 3 Seventeen students answered the last open question “Why do you think English will be useful for your future?” all of them considered that English will be useful to improve their employment prospects and to travel abroad.

Discussion According to what students answered, I can say that most of them considered the English language as a very important tool for their future. They are aware that English is the language of international communication and if they do not want to be relegated from the world they have to know English. Even though most of the respondents answered they do not enjoy the subject, the English language has a universal presence in adolescents everyday life. This motivate and inspire teenagers to learn English