English: Language of opportunity - for iPad/Mac/PC: Recent Episodes
The Open University
Do people that speak English receive better opportunities in life than those who don’t? How essential is fluency in English when pursuing an occupation in the current climate? In this collection we consider these questions in developing job markets such as Malaysia and China, amongst other countries. This series of films explores the relationship between speaking the English language and establishing yourself within a successful career domestically or internationally, as well as examining the economic and social divisions that can be caused when only certain groups of people are given access to English.
This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.
In Bangalore private schools teach English whereas most state schools teach in the local dialect.
Transcript -- In Bangalore private schools teach English whereas most state schools teach in the local dialect.
Transcript -- Since the Chinese economy has opened up, interest in speaking English has increased.
In Malaysia there was a concern that not having English as a national language might hamper economic growth.
Transcript -- In Malaysia there was a concern that not having English as a national language might hamper economic growth.
Raghavendra and Nandini's families have had a relationship with English for many generations.
Transcript -- Raghavendra and Nandini's families have had a relationship with English for many generations.
Transcript -- For many migrants moving to Canada English is essential for beginning a career.