Around the world, 2.3 billion people speak English, and for most of them it is an extra, rather than their first, language.

In many countries, English is also used to teach most academic subjects at schools and universities – even where most of the population do not speak it as a first language.

So, what does it mean to speak English in a world with over 7,000 languages? How does its popularity affect the quality of education, the learning of other languages, and the evolution of the English language itself? And how can teachers ensure inclusivity for all students, regardless of their English proficiency?

Find out in this fascinating conversation between host Christine Wilson and Dr Harry Kuchah Kuchah, an expert in language education and social justice. And travel with us to Rwanda to hear first-hand experiences from Eric Mpozenzi, a trainer dedicated to developing the English language skills of the next generation of teachers.

Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you. 

What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode? 

If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing researchglobal@britishcouncil.org by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode

Dive deeper:

Discover the Future of English – https://futureofenglish.britishcouncil.org

Read Harry’s paper on the challenges faced by multilingual children taught in English in Cameroon - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2023.103216

Check out Harry’s report on how children experience learning when they are taught in a language that is not familiar to them - https://doi.org/10.57884/4CZ4-TT07

Read Harry’s paper on how girls can be excluded epistemically in English medium classrooms in Rwanda - https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2159031

See the latest trends in foreign language learning in schools across England - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/language-trends-england-2024

Find out more about the STELIR project –

https://www.britishcouncil.rw/programmes/education/secondary-teachers-english-language-improvement-rwanda-stelir

Interested in Pidgin? Check out this study on Shakespearean plays in Pidgin and why they matter - https://tinyurl.com/pidgin-shakespeare-essay

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