World English Language Day – Celebrating the world’s favorite language

By British Council

Celebrating World English Language Day

April 23 is designated by the UN as World English Language Day. The language used by an estimated 2 billion people is required at all stages of one’s educational and professional career.

Regardless of the field of study, most Indian competitive entrance exams have an English test as at least a qualifying subject. Students who wish to study abroad will doubtless need to write Statements of Purpose and need to prove their fluency in the language through entry exams like IELTS, TOEFL, Aptis and PTE. Interviews to colleges, both in India and abroad, usually occur in English.

As the official language of 54 countries, in a globalized economy English is the Lingua Franca of the corporate world. Postings to foreign branches of a company or to universities abroad require a mastery of the language. As an employee moves up in her profession, apart from technical expertise she also needs to be a good presenter and negotiator, necessitating mastery over social and communication skills.

So how can one improve one’s grasp and vocabulary of this universal language?

•    One of the best ways to learn new vocabulary is to read good literature and to read things that one is interested in. Absorption rate is much higher when a person has a relevant context to learning (reading a newspaper) and is enjoying the task at hand (reading a good book).

•    While reading, learn to guess the meaning of words from the context. This is important because it will give students an understanding of nuances, and the way in which words are used, rather than just text book definitions. For example the word troll has very different connotations, depending on where you read it (don’t worry, we’ve defined it below)

•    Re-check your understanding with a bilingual dictionary for translations. Use a thesaurus to further explore the meanings and associations between words and phrases. Use an English-English dictionary (i.e. monolingual) to build an understanding about the relationship between words and concepts within English.

•    Learning does not have to be dull. Get excited and be curious about new words and phrases, notice how they are used in movies, books and on TV.

•    When you hear a new word or phrase, speak it - use it with friends, family, in your neighbourhood, with classmates and colleagues. When you read new words and phrases, use them in writing. Keep a diary, journal, or blog. Tweet in English, read online and notice new vocabulary.

•    Try using new words in speech and writing - take risks and learn from the reactions of listeners and readers! We guarantee it will make you learn at a much faster pace than silently memorising the words.  

•    Students can use flash cards writing a word on one side and the meaning of the word on the other

•    Keep a record of new words in a journal

Language is dynamic and evolves continuously. Here are 10 new words that have come up in our fast paced and digital world and are a must to include in one’s arsenal:

1.    Netiquette: The correct or acceptable way of using the Internet

2.    Subtweet: A usually mocking or critical tweet that alludes to another Twitter user without including a link to the user's account and often without directly mentioning the user's name

3.    Flake: Overly sensitive, easily offended person. Someone who feels entitled to special consideration

4.    Freegan: A person who rejects consumerism and seeks to help the environment by reducing waste, especially by retrieving and using discarded food and other goods

5.    Glamping: A form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.

6.    Hangry: Feeling both hungry and increasingly angry at the same time

7.    Embiggen: To enlarge or make bigger, more expansive

8.    Humbelbrag: To make a seemingly modest, self-critical statement that is meant to draw attention to one's admirable or impressive qualities or achievements.

9.    Ghosting: To abruptly cut off all contact with someone by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls or messages

10.    Bokeh: The blurred quality or effect seen in the out-of-focus portion of a photograph taken with a narrow depth of field

To be able to articulate oneself precisely is a great confidence builder. Learning English will help students connect better with the world, both personally and professionally. It will open a larger array of opportunities to them, helping them be more confident and more open in meeting people, situations and places.

About the Author:

British Council has useful links for English learning along with apps that students and anyone interested in learning English can check out.