Explore the World of English Grammar

If you go to any English language website, you’ll find lists of some very convincing arguments why people should invest their limited time and hard-earned money in learning English. But the truth is that many people around the world show varying degrees of reluctance to learn English for numerous reasons, which range from cultural resistance to practical barriers. For some people, learning a second language like English might even feel like the abandonment and relegation of their native language and cultural identity. Sadly, these feelings gain traction, especially if English is associated with former colonial powers or global dominance.

Simply put, the pressure to learn the international language may make people hesitant to embrace it, regardless of the opportunities it offers, e.g., an improved salary or a better career development arc. Perhaps another possible explanation is the perceived difficulty of English itself. It’s true that English grammar looks deceptively easy at first glance but is incredibly difficult to get it right. Coupled with its irregular pronunciation, a random sampling of vocabulary from other languages, not to mention the formal vs. informal dimension of English, is it any wonder that would-be learners might shy away from committing to it?

Whereas those who have decided to commit themselves to English often opt for simpler structures that usually mirror the grammatical conventions of their first language, resulting in ‘Germlish’ or ‘franglais’ being created in copious amounts. It’s often cited that the lack of access to quality education is also a significant barrier. Clearly, if something is not taught well, it’s highly unlikely that it will find favour with those who are exposed to it. Moreover, due to the dilettante attitude of many governments worldwide regarding the provision of sufficient budgets to secure quality education for their citizens, these halfhearted efforts usually result in mixed outcomes. 

Furthermore, practical considerations may also play a role here. For instance, in regions where English isn’t commonly spoken or where the resources for its support aren’t in place, people will naturally see little incentive to learn it. 

To sum up, I think it can be argued that it is a combination of cultural, practical and educational factors that are at the heart of this reluctance to learn English. Ultimately, it requires individual motivation and foresight, as well as the provision of the necessary resources to overcome these barriers. I suppose people simply have to think harder about their current skillsets and how the lack of better skills impacts them. One thing is for certain: the need for English will not go away any time soon. The question is, do you recognise its value to make a positive contribution to your life?.