Educators sometimes classify countries on the basis of language use. Thus Singapore is said to be an English-as-a-first-language society. Not only is English the language of education and government there, but many parents talk to their children only in English.
Pakistan is usually called an ESL 
(English as-a-
(English as-a-second-language) country because an influential minority speak the language fluently and frequently with each other and a great deal of business, politics and education is conducted in that language.
In contrast, countries such as Syria are usually labelled
EFL (English-as-a-foreign-language) societies because the language is used primarily for communicating with
foreigners, such as tourists visiting Syrian historical sites and overseas business contacts.
Whether a country thinks of itself as ESL or EFL is often reflected in its educational system. In ESL countries such as Malaysia, English classes themselves are supposed to be taught by the direct method without using any other language but English. English is also used to teach some other subjects including maths and science. But in EFL countries such as Thailand, nearly all subjects are taught in the national language and it is also used quite a lot during English classes.
Where English is spoken as a first or second language, there is wide acceptance of local usage, such as Singaporeans' use of ‘lah’ at the end of statements, Filipinos' addition of words from Tagalog and Spanish, and Indians' preference for continuous tenses (e.g. ‘I am going to school every day’). On the other hand, local patterns used by Thais, Japanese and other EFL users are often thought of as errors, even if they are produced regularly and understood by foreigners.
Categorising whole societies as ESL or EFL is an oversimplification of Asia's complex reality. Singaporean children who use English at home generally speak it much better than those who do not, and they frequently do better in other school subjects too since these are taught in English. On the other hand, Vijaya Sankar of Taylors College in Malaysia found that some students whose first language is English do worse than others in English 
classes designed for ESL learners. For many educated Pakistanis, English is the first language – indeed the country's first prime minister, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, could hardly speak the national language, Urdu. But in rural areas of the same country, English is a foreign language which few people ever use.
classes designed for ESL learners. For many educated Pakistanis, English is the first language – indeed the country's first prime minister, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, could hardly speak the national language, Urdu. But in rural areas of the same country, English is a foreign language which few people ever use. Whether they themselves use it as a first, second or foreign language, people tend to adjust their English when talking to someone for whom English is not the first language. Moreover, the majority of communication in English around the world nowadays takes place among nonnative speakers. This kind of intermediary language has been labeled EIL (English as an International Language). Many linguists are studying EIL conversations to understand what kind of adjustments speakers make. Do they restrict the vocabulary (e.g. ‘Let's go to Osaka by plane’ instead of ‘Let's fly to Osaka’)? Do they simplify tenses? Or do they just listen more carefully and express themselves more imaginatively than native speakers usually do?
While I was reading,I was thinking about What is needed for Japan to bocome ESL country from EFL. Educational system is as important as governments plan for improving nations language ability. In Japan,new policy has started that elementary school students learn English from native or Japanese teacher.I think its' a nice attept if The government positioned English as standard skill of the younger generation,and we make a real effort.
ReplyDeleteI think Japan need become ESL country. Japan is the country that don't have second language. If Japanese government make new policy about English education, the future children can speak English well like Singapore. Education is very important. Japan have better enviroments than any othey Asian countries. Japan will become more International country than now. But I think it is difficult becous Japanses people don't have realization about English goodness yet.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog.In japan politician argues whether itstudy English from an elementary school.I think i t is good idea.Because I have studyed English sinece Junior High School.
ReplyDeleteBut I cannot master English enough.I think The change of the English education system is necessary.Our brain where language speak and thought have matureed by12 years old.If it come ture Japan bocome ESL country from EFL.
I also think Japan should become ESL country and government has to change their policy of English education system. I recommend that Japanese should start to learn English from kindergarten by singing an English song(for example), because it is earlier for child to absorbs many things than adult. If people learn English when they are child, number of people who can speak English will increase.
ReplyDeleteTalking about comments, do you all think ESL is better than EFL? I think it's not always good for EFL society to become ESL. Of course, It's all about to study Englsih.We had better speak fluently in business. But I think we also need to fully study our own language in terms of preserving our culture. If children spend more time to learn Englsih, there is not enough time to study japanese. As you know,they must study Hiragana,Katakana, and tons of Kanjis. Therefore, I think it hasn't been necessary for japan to become ESL society thus far. In fact, at least the number of japanese who can speak Englsih has been increaseing compared to the old days.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all those comments, especially about Japan. I can understand that many Japanese people think adopting an ESL model might help to promote the learning of English. But on the whole I think I agree more with Kensuke. Very few Japanese need to use English with each other in the way that Indians or Malaysians do, so for the moment an EFL model seems more appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a respectively good point, ESL, EFL and EIL. The countries of ESL has more frequency using English than countries of EFL and EIL. So it is sure that the countries of ESL are getting more international. I think Japan was an EFL country a long time ago. But it is getting change to an EIL country recently. Because people have to use international English(like business English) in international society. But I think countries of EFL and EIL think English as one communication tool. So Japan should be ESL country. Many Japanese learn English from junior high school. So it would be wasteful unless use it. To become an ESL country, it is indispensable to speak English parallel with Japanese from the time we are child.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know ESL,EFL and EIL. But I understand that to read it today.I think Japan needs ESL.not EFL.Because Many Asian's countries people can speak English.But many Japanese people can't speak English.Why isn't Japan ESL country?? I think japan is island. It hadn't interferenced for many years. So, Japan will need to speak English a country. The world is international. If Japanese don't speak English, Japan won't be international country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kensuke's opinion. I also think we surely had better speak English fluently, but it's not necessary for japan to become an ESL country. It takes a lot of time to require Katakana, Hiragana and Kanji. I think we can find another way to be good english speaker.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this blog, I don't even know the difference between ESL and EFL, but now I know. China now learning English is to ESL, Japan should, too. I think in a native language consciousness very strong countries, English is often not the official language, second language because language is the symbol of a country. But when they take English as a second language learning at the same time, also some of the elements into their mother tongue naturally, like Chinese style English. So hard to avoid appear and difference in standard English.
ReplyDeleteWhen hearing about above models I guess many japanese might think ESL country is the best sperior than others and we should make efforts to adopt to that.
ReplyDeleteHowever, in fact we have no need to use English in our everyday lives. We have our own language and it totally works well to communicate in Japanese territory. Why don't we respect this situation first and accept the fact that we are the EFL country?
We don't need to be the ESL country to improve our English ability, I suppose.
In my opinion,in the side of the society which will further globalize from now on,we need to rethink the way of English educetional system ,and should make more time having conversation in English with foreigher from every class in English .If not,Japanese could not speak fluently and also would not be EFL.
ReplyDeleteEri Sato
ReplyDeleteI didn't know ESL and EFL.I think that I think that Japan should become the country of ESL.In many countries, English is thought as the second foreign language, and even the politics is used it.However, in Japan, even a politician cannot speak English well.Of course there are a lot of people who cannot speak English in the commoners.Opportunities to speak English increase if Japan becomes the country of ESL.
I would like to answer the question, "What kind of English should be taught in Japan?".
ReplyDeleteFrom my point of view, the level of English, which we have been learning at school is actually great but there is a problem that almost all Japanese say " We do not have a good command of English." and try to avoid speaking English in front of the audience. They usually good at reading English, so the teachers should try to let students speak in order to improve their communication skills and become confident in their words in English.
In my experience, compared to ten years ago Japanese speak, and understand spoken, English much better than before. On the other hand the standard of reading and writing has gone down. Both of these changes must be connected partly to the government's emphasis on 'communicative English' but other factors, such as the increased number of people going overseas to work and travel, will also play their part. But is it possible to maintain standards of reading and writing while improving speaking as well? What do others think?
DeleteIn Japan it is more and more promoted to get the skill of speaking English. I hear the reason is that English is common in the globalized world. In that sense, japan is substantially becoming (at least trying to be) an ESL country. However, I feel much of the effort of English education is wasted. This is because, in japan, English is not spoken as a language but as a line of technical terms. Japanese students never speak English as a language, and after they graduate they simply lose acquaintances with English with no need of speaking English. As long as jobs that doesn’t require English skills are dominant, this situation would not change. Is the world really globalized?
ReplyDeleteJapan is a country with English as Foreign Language(EFL). In fact, Japan is a lot far from the actual definition of EFL. The definition says that the”language is used primarily for communicating with foreigners”. Looking into Japanese society, we hardly find people who can speak sufficient English to the foreigners on the street. In Japan, it seems like the people who are only demanded to speak English, such as station staff and information counter staff, can speak the language.
ReplyDeleteIs this the fault made by education? In Japan, English is mainly taught through Japanese, focusing on the grammar structure rather than the actual conversation. Many students study English just for the entrance exams. We cannot say that this way of teaching and learning is totally useless. However, it is more important to have a balance in the education. It means that Japanese schools should include the speaking and writing classes into the curricula as well as the existing classes of grammar. For example, teachers can ask the students to have English-only class, and have discussions or the debate on the given topics with each other. The schools do not necessarily hire the foreign teachers to teach in English. It is more important to encourage the students to actually use the English. In this way, the English level of Japanese people can at least reach the demand of EFL.
Most of Japanese people say “I cannot speak English” although they can hear and speak English. Why? Why they think he/she cannot speak English? I think this is because Japanese people have less chance to talk with native speakers. Japanese English class is basically stress on grammar, so they don’t have chances to use English as a communication tool. Recently a lot of schools (elementary school, junior high school, high school) introduce ECC and give students chance to use English as a communication tool, but also we cannot use English practically.
ReplyDeleteSo, Japan should teach English not only as a language but as a communication tool. A lot of Japanese people think English as a foreign language. But English is now that the most important communication tool in the world, so we should use them like a second language.
I think that the level of English is more and more improving now than in the past because of education. However, many Japanese people are not good at speaking English. The reason is reading and writing English is set a higher value on than speaking English in Japanese education. The fact that speaking English is not needed in most entrance examination illustrates this.
ReplyDeleteTo improve this situation, speaking English should be taught more in Japan. Speaking is one of the most important skills. Of course, reading and writing are also important skills, so it is important to teach speaking, reading, writing, and listening English skills equally.
It's interesting that several comments contain the idea that Japanese are better at English than they realise but poor at speaking because of the focus on reading and writing in education. But as I commented on May 12 I have noticed considerable improvement in both speaking and listening over the years but a decline in reading and writing. For most Japanese, doesn't reading remain the most useful skill in English?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Japanese people should not be too eager to speak
ReplyDeletecorrect English.
They tend to worry too much about grammars or order to communicate with another one smoothly. Meanwhile, in business correct English gives good impressions that they are well-educated, trust, or succesful outcome in commerce.
In conclusion, people use English to tell their own ideas, so depending on the case, they should use appropriate English.
Today in Japan students are taught English especially grammar and writing. But there are not so many chance to speak English. Of course, that two skills are important to improve their English but speaking skill is very important too. So I think Japanese should be taught practical English which is able to use as a communication tool to foreign people. Speaking is a big part of communication I think. Japan is needed to make time to speak English but other important elements, grammar and writing, should be taught continually.
ReplyDeleteI think English which is understood by many people in the world should be spoken and taught in Japan.I subjectively think English dose not perfectly go well with Japanese people in grammatical and sensitive aspects. We should treat English same as English spoken in other EFL countries.
ReplyDeleteToday in Japan it seems that grammar and writing skills of English are taught spending a lot of time. But Japanese people don't have many chance to speak English. Of course, that two skills are important to improve their Englsh. However, I think the main part of communication with foreign people is speaking . If they have less speaking skill, it is not easy to communicate well I feel. So Japanese people should be taught practical English to be able to use in their life.
ReplyDeleteThese days, Japanese government seems to think, in education of English, speaking and listening are more important than reading and writing. Indeed, teaching English in Japan have focused on reading and writing. So, it is necessary to focus on speaking and listening more in order to improve the system of teaching English in Japan. However, it doesn’t mean it is OK to reduce the level of reading and writing English. I think skills in English related to each other closely. So, in Japan, speaking and listening English should be taught more while all skills in English are tried to be in balance.
ReplyDeleteTetsuo Tomita
ReplyDeleteI think Japanese people should speak simple and easy English. In Japan, we learn complicated English in our school. In my opinion, the reason that Japanese people cannot speak English is that we intend to speak complicated English. So to increase English- intelligent people, we should speak easy English.
TANI, MICHIRU
ReplyDeleteI realize the importance of education because the education has a power of deciding the country future.
I think that Japanese people tend to like the English skills of writing and reading these days. So most of them are not good at speaking English. I insist on the way of English lessons in Japan as the reason for that. In the class, the teacher teach only grammers to students, therefore they doesn't have an opportunity to speak English. Also a lot of people in Japan are too shy to speak in public. This situation is related to English in Japan a little. The thing that Japanese people don't worry about a mistake is important in classes I think. And form of class should be changed like foreign countries for example form of discussion. We Japanese have to care about balance of proficiency in English skills.
ReplyDeleteIn Japan, where English is taught as EFL, people cannot improve their English skills, especially speaking because they practice it only in their studying of English. For example, in English class of high school, we study grammar and memorize difficult words and practice reading the story which is made for Japanese students on the textbook and questions of the entrance exam of universities.
ReplyDeleteWe students were taught English to pass the entrance exam of university, so contents of the class tend to be focused on English to solve the grammar or reading questions. As a result, the opportunities to study practical English are not enough for us. So students cannot improve the skills which can be used in their daily life and communication.
To improve practical English skills, students should be taught it in the different ways, for example, using newspaper of foreign countries, watching movies, and communicating with foreign people. Studying English by these practical way will make our English skill fine.
It is probably true that all of English skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) are improved in Japan because of improvement of Education. Especially, the skills of speaking and listening are advanced. In the education system, the skills of them came to be emphasized. However, perhaps, people who involve in field of education are still put stress on the skills of reading and writing. The biggest reason of that is maybe the system of entrance exams (of course, routine test is one of the reasons). So, I think the skills of speaking and listening shows considerably improvement, on the other hand, the skills of reading and writing shows slight improvement or keep the condition. And still the level of the skills of speaking and listening does not catch up with that of the skill of reading. Therefore I think most useful skill in English is still the skill of reading for most Japanese.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, EFL should be talked in Japan. Because I think language can not be cut off from its culture and history and so on. English cultures are completely different from Japanese ones. In addition to that, Japanese assimilate other language well, for example expressing loanwords by using Katakana and can receive other culture if English in Japan change into ESL, so it is need not change EFL into ESL.
ReplyDelete