[CKC]

I've browsed through some threads and I've got a question: are the English required to have English lessons? When I was in Australia, the secondary students there read Shakepeare, and the examinations could be on this writer. How about the English?

( sorry if this is not the right place to put this thread

[susan53]

No it wasn't, so I've moved it. But in answer to your question - yes. Literacy and literature. You can see the sort of thing which is covered here on the BBC Schools website

[wi11iam]

When I was at school, I did a double English G.C.S.E. Which included both English Language and English Literature.

However, it wasn't as grammar focused as what some ESL courses are. I learned basic grammar, verbs, nouns, etc. But we didn't study anything about conjunctions, tenses (other than just being told what they were), etc.

English Literature included Shakespeare, Dickens amongst other English speaking authors (not just British).

[Denis DNT]

Every language has to be learned in my opinion.

[abarboza]

I'd say a person should study their first language so they can know mor about it. It shouldn't be only about using it.

[BritishEnglishTeacherUK]

Yes, but I think in the UK people have limited recall about the grammar they learnt. I think most of my students who are learning English (at Int level) have a much more solid grasp of English grammar than my British native friends.

[sidewalker]

I understand that it's difficult for many native English speakers to motivate themselves to learn another foreign language (the case for non-native speakers to learn English is very strong today). However, I think at least they should learn to be able to regulate their speech in order to be able to take part in the world of international English. In Britain this has always been caught up in class politics but I think learning international English should be a lot less contentious than learning "Oxford", "BBC", or "the Queen's" English.

There was a recent podcast on the subject here: https://theteflshow.com/2016/04/29/5...ternationally/