English newspapers are a useful tool in learning English. Media outlets like The Korea Times or English Daily are a bridge between plain English content and prevalent social issues.
English as A Universal Language Across All Industries
On a global scale, English is commonly recognised as the international language while dealing with business.
There is a gap existing between countries when it comes to their current level of English proficiency. Standards of being proficient in English are based on what is deemed acceptable for the workforce.
Harvard Business Review indicates countries with a higher mastery of the English language will have a stronger economy. These countries will also be more innovative as compared to the others.
Global Ranking of English Proficiency
In 2015, EF Proficiency Index Rankings were used to compare the control and command of the English language across the globe. South Korea was ranked 27th out of 70 countries.
Top-ranked states held more common linguistic roots to English countries – mainly Western European countries.
Category 5 languages are those most significantly different from English. Category 5 languages:
– Japanese
– Mandarin
– Korean
– Other Asian languages
Useful tool For Learning and Improving English
In 2007, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, Kim Shin-il pointed out the potential in English newspapers. He believed newspapers were beneficial for students in developing and becoming more familiar with the English language.
Bringing in more foreign scholars into the education system was also considered to be a useful measure. In 2007, 2540 (3.6{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616}) of a total of 69,201 professors were from a foreign country.
Today, many Korean classrooms are using English newspapers within their curriculum. English newspapers are believed to be a practical and cost-effective solution for improving English.
Newspapers vs. Textbooks
A Newspaper in Education (NIE) was first introduced in 1994-1995 by newspapers printed in Seoul, Korea. ENIE – English Newspapers in Education, is an extension of the NIE system first integrated into educational programs.
Could a newspaper be better than a textbook? Newspapers hold a different educational value than textbooks and other books used in the classroom setting. Newspapers expose readers to social issues at present on a national and federal level.
Newspaper articles are well-written with the intent to convey information in the clearest and most concise fashion. Standard of writing for published materials are relatively high. Aside from simple comprehension, there is the potential for readers to develop their written communication skills.
Newspapers are useful teaching materials. Inexpensive and mass-produced, newspapers are readily available for distribution in classrooms.
Newspapers Foster a Specific Set of Skills
The use of English newspapers remains heavily integrated into the education system in Korea, as well as in many other countries across the globe.
English newspapers help improve English proficiency through:
– Critical writing
– Comprehension
– Logical thinking and analysis
– Synthesizing information
Technology Facilitates Access to English Newspapers Outside Traditional Classrooms
According to Forbes, 99.2{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of about 19 million households in Korea have Internet access in 2017. English newspapers can be found through online resources. Students have the ability to improve their English outside the classroom through browsing newspapers on their computers or phones.
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