The vastness of the English language and the need for integrated International English
Preface
About the broad ignorance of the difficulty of the English language on a higher, expert user level; the strictness and the inflexibility of the IELTS exams; the difference between North American and British English, and the question of who is entitled to teach English that raises the need for international English teaching and certification
Common errors in the English language
Apart from spelling and grammar, the most common errors in the English language made by most people, even native speakers, including me, include a) The right use of prepositions, especially the ‘prepositional verbs.’, b) The proper use of the articles ‘a/an’ and the definite article ‘the.’ c) The correct use of the ‘comma.’ In my opinion, someone can easily distinguish a native speaker from the proper use of prepositions and prepositional verbs, as a non-native speaker may think that the verb ‘engage,’ when related to an activity, goes with ‘on,’ when in fact goes with ‘in’ (engage in activity)!
So, no one is perfect, including me, in the English language, as we continuously come across errors, even trivial! Thus, in this text, you may still meet some minor mistakes or typos! The goal is to make fewer mistakes. For all the provided information in this writing, I used references from various sources such as books and online articles and mainly three prominent dictionaries. For British English, the Cambridge and the Oxford dictionary were used, while for North American English, the Merriam-Webster dictionary was used.
The levels of English language proficiency
The levels of English language proficiency have been defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, including Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (CEFR). It is a guideline used to describe the achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other than Europe countries. For the CEFR, you may visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for_Languages and https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/ and https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/relating-examinations-to-the-cefr For the English Language Scales (CEFR) you may also visit https://tracktest.eu/english-levels-cefr/ and https://www.londonschool.com/level-scale/
The vastness of the English language
It would be impossible to include nearly 500,000 words in the English language! The ‘vocabulary’ section consists of the most important words for your essay. But I was wondering if there are native speakers who know 500,000 words. I doubt, thinking that most people do not have time to read literature and enrich their vocabulary. Additionally, worldwide most people speak American English which is simplified to 2,000 - 3,000 words that are sufficient to chat on the internet in the form of abbreviations (in the US, they tend to abbreviate everything) and text message style. So contemporary people will never learn 500,000 words because they just do not need them unless they indulge in literature!
Is the English language easy to learn?
Not at all, at least if you wish to reach an advanced level (proficient user: C2 level). The problems that someone faces in trying to become a skilled English language user are a) The English language has almost 500,000 words! There are words for everything tangible (that we can touch) or abstract. I am wondering if all native speakers know all these words. At least, I do not, although a writer! Noteworthy, the difficulty in learning all these words is that many words are obsolete/ archaic/ dated, colloquial, or specialized/ technical. b) The English language has many words to describe the same thing, i.e., many synonyms! Another issue is that a particular word may have many meanings. Thus, things are complicated! c) International English, apart from the international versions of news channels such as CNN and the BBC, does not exist. But even then, the ‘international’ English will be more Americanized for the former and more British for the latter! The ‘genuine’ international English accent is in between the American and the British accent.
The English language has nearly 500,000 words! Webster’s 3rd New international dictionary, unabridged, together with its 1993 Addenda Section, includes some 470,000 entries. The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, reports that it contains a similar number. According to Oxford dictionaries, over 50% of these words are nouns, about ¼ adjectives, and about 1/7 verbs; the rest is made up of exclamations, conjunctions, prepositions, suffixes, etc. The question is if it is easy to remember all these words? Definitely not!
The fact that there are many synonyms for a single definition complicates things, and it is weird that the English language has many words with the same or almost the same meaning. For example, the word ‘perform’ has the following synonyms: carry out (that is the dominant synonym), do, execute, discharge, bring about, bring off, accomplish, achieve, fulfill, complete, conduct, effect, dispatch, work, and implement! Also, it is characteristic that most English words do not have a meaning that can be explained by using a single word but with many. For instance, the adjective ''scrupulous'' means (related to a person or process) diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details
It is also odd that a word may have many meanings, such as the words ‘bill’ and ‘rally.’ For instance, the word ‘perform’ itself has the following meanings (with the most striking the 3rd one): a) Carry out, accomplish, or fulfill an action, task, or function. b) Work, function, or do something well or to a specified standard. c) Have successful or satisfactory sexual intercourse with someone. d) Present a form of entertainment to an audience. e) Entertain an audience, typically by acting, singing, or dancing on stage. Another example is the word ‘crèche’ is used in the UK as a synonym for nursery school!
Pronunciation is often confusing. For example, the word ‘often’ is pronounced ˈɒf.(ə)n or ˈɒf.t(ə)n (although the latter is obsolete, I don’t know why many native speakers use it; I don’t), and the word ‘sergeant’ is pronounced ˈsɑː.dʒənt. The word ‘controversy’ is pronounced ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si or kənˈtrɒv.ə.si, and the word ‘libel’ is pronounced ˈlaɪ.bəl . The word ‘ballet’ is pronounced ˈbæl.eɪ (but it is bælˈeɪ in North American English), and the word ‘foyer’ is pronounced ˈfɔɪ.eɪ. The word ‘heroine’ is pronounced ˈher.əʊ.ɪn, similar to ‘heroin’ that is pronounced ˈher.əʊ.ɪn!
Similarly, the word ‘track’ is pronounced træk and may be confused with the word ‘truck’ that is pronounced trʌk (the slight subtle difference in the pronunciation may not be so apparent in a non-native speaker). So, you do not know which letter to stress from phonetics. For this reason, I underline and bold the letter that needs to be stressed.
Differences between North American and British English
There are many differences in the English language, often striking, between North American and British English, as well as with other countries such as Australia. So, words and pronunciation are not always written or spoken interchangeably between different English-speaking countries! Consequently, we may disagree about who is right and who is wrong. Although American English has prevailed worldwide, I think that my idea for an international English format should be taken into consideration.
Pronunciation also differs (pronounced ˈdɪf.ərs) between different English-speaking countries, e.g., the word ‘adult’ is pronounced ˈæd.ʌlt or əˈdʌlt in British English and ˈæd.ʌlt or əˈdʌlt in North American English! Regarding pronunciation, there is often a discrepancy between North American and British English, and often differences are striking. For instance, the word ‘aubergine’ in British English is called ‘eggplant’ in North American English, and the word ‘ant’ (insect) is pronounced in British English: ant, but in North American English, it is pronounced ænt, the same with ‘aunt!’ Another classic example is the word ‘aluminum,’ pronounced əˈlu·mə·nəm in North American English, however, it is ‘aluminium,’ pronounced ˌæl.jəˈmɪn.i.əm, in British English!
Also, when a British says, ‘coach trip,’ a person from the US. may not think that ‘coach’ refers to ‘bus,’ but to a ‘teacher’! The word ‘coach,’ pronounced kəʊtʃ, may be confused with the word ‘couch,’ pronounced kaʊtʃ, which sounds different. Another example is the word ‘harass’ pronounced ˈhær.əs or həˈræs in British English and həˈræs or ˈher.əs in North American English. Similarly, ‘harassment’ is pronounced ˈhær.əs.mənt or həˈræs.mənt in British English and həˈræs.mənt in North American English! Spelling may also be different. An example is the word ‘tyres’ (of a car) in British English that goes ‘tires’ in North American English!
In my opinion, the confusion and discrepancy in the myriads of synonyms and their pronunciation (that differs between British and North American English), as well as the endless number of words (nearly 500,000) and the confusion in prepositional verbs, is not for the benefit of the English language. I believe that simplicity is essential. To my mind, ancient Greek had the advantage of this simplicity, combined with the fact that the words themselves contained their meaning. Perhaps this simplicity may be an example of ‘international English’ if and whenever it is created to imitate.
Who monopolizes the English language certification?
It is the Cambridge and Michigan Universities that monopolize first certificate, advanced, and proficiency certificates. Additionally, Cambridge University, the British Council, and Australia have created the IELTS exams, while the ETS (Educational Testing Service in New Jersey) has created the TOEFL exams.
Who is entitled to teach the English language? Is English teaching and certification a profitable business?
Who is entitled to teach the English language? This is a crucial question. Is it Cambridge University or the University of Michigan? Is it the UK and Australia or the USA? In fact, English teaching and certification is a hugely profitable business, but I believe that it should not be monopolized by specific institutions or universities as the pre-mentioned. No one has the Trademark English or the Brand Name. As an international language, it belongs to humanity, neither the UK nor the US. Thus, as I will analyze below, there is a need to create international English that will replace the current international exams, TOEFL and IELTS. In many cases, these exams are not interchangeable as in the UK and the (former) ‘Commonwealth,’ including Australia, they often do not accept the TOEFL exams, but they insist on recognizing their own exams!
Are the exam markers of the Cambridge exams strict?
In my opinion, they are strict, as I have never met a non-English speaking friend passing Cambridge's first certificate or advanced or proficiency exams with an A grade! The strictness of the Cambridge exams led to the emergence of LRN exams that are easier and seem very promising. For this reason, LRN exams became immensely popular and now seem to dethrone the Cambridge exams!
IELTS Exams (British English based) created by the British Council, Cambridge University, and Australia
Cambridge University, the British Council, and Australia have created the IELTS test that is held by the British Council and PeopleCert (IDP Education). These exams are cognitive tests rather than English language tests! For example, the ‘Writing part 1’ module of the IELTS test contains a graph (chart) as if the English student is a mathematician! The second part is the ‘Essay.’ Both need to be completed only in 1 hour, so students have just a min of 40 to write min 250 words in the essay and only 20 min to complete the graph with a min of 150 words! The ‘Reading’ module is challenging, as students have to scan and skim through 3 large academic texts (with the last passage being the most difficult) and answer difficult questions related to the test in only 1 hour! Many students do not have time to complete the last questions as they are short of time!
Are the IELTS exams easy?
No, as the exam markers of the IELTS are strict and usually spare a high grade on the essay. The time is too short to complete the ‘Reading part,’ while the ‘Essay’ is corrected in such a strict way that it is challenging to take a mark equal to or higher than 7. Additionally, I do not know why they include a graph as if the students are statisticians! Another disappointing feature is that the students taking the IELTS exams will have the chance to listen to the ‘Listening’ part only once, contrary to the proficiency exams where they will listen to it twice! The ‘Listening’ often contains a map, that is what I call a ‘maze,’ that is incredibly complex to name the specific areas, and it is confusing to follow the direction and answer the questions related to it.
About TOEFL (iBT) exams (US English based)
On the other hand, the ETC has created the TOEFL (iBT), which is the American version of the IELTS that has many similarities and many differences (for example, it has not got a graph). However, IELTS focuses on British English, while the IELTS on American English.
Do international institutions and organizations accept the TOEFL exams?
Many do not, especially if related to Britain and the Commonwealth, such as Australia. Often, institutions (such as the General Medical Council in the UK) don’t recognize the TOEFL exams. Still, instead, they accept only the IELTS test with a very high score of 7.5 out of 9, as if a medical graduate should be a scholar! The Australian medical association accepts the TOEFL with a relatively high total score and an extremely high mark (27 out of 30!) in the essay that is almost impossible to achieve.
The need for other than the Cambridge & Michigan University institutes to certify the English language – The emergence of the LRN exams
It is unacceptable for institutes such as the ETC (TOEFL exams), Cambridge University, the British Council, and Australia (IELTS exams), and Cambridge & Michigan University (first certificate, advanced and proficiency) to monopolize the English language teaching and certification. In my opinion, teachers should be more flexible. For example, the strictness of the Cambridge exams gave a chance to other institutes to emerge, such as the LRN of the Esol Education (Educational Services Overseas Limited), an organization in the field of primary and secondary education, specialized in establishing and managing American and British international schools. The English language today is patronized by the US. that has imposed American English worldwide! If you doubt this, you may merely check which language is the default one on your computer programs or on internet sites. It is usually the US. English, not the British!
About the Learning Resource Network (LRN): their exams are easier and seem very promising!
LRN was founded by a group of educators and business people and specializes in ESOL, Education training, and management qualifications. Their London head office is supported by a team of representatives from around the world. LRN is a member of leading international testing associations. Specifically, it is a) An affiliated Institute member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). b) An institutional member of the European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA). c) An institutional member of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL). d) A corporate member of English UK. LRN is recognized as an awarding organization by Ofqual that regulates qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England. LRN is recognized for international English requirements for those who want to provide evidence of their English Language skills for their professional or personal development. These qualifications are internationally recognized. LRN qualifies for English language proficiency at all levels (B1, B2, C1, C2).
Which test to choose: TOEFL (iBT) & IELTS exams of English language proficiency; Cambridge & Michigan exams of proficiency/ advanced/ first certificate or the LRN exams (exams of English language proficiency at all levels: B1, B2, C1, C2)?
In my opinion, Cambridge exams are rigorous, as I have never met a non-English speaking friend passing Cambridge's first certificate or advanced or proficiency exams with an A grade! The modern world speaks American English, while the IELTS exam is not only British-English based but also is a concentration and cognitive test, as it even includes a graph! Students have a short time to complete the IELTS exams (especially the Reading), while they hear the listening part only once. Additionally, the exam markers of the IELTS are strict and usually spare a high grade in the essay. However, the problem is that British-related organizations and institutes accept only the IELTS exams. In my opinion, this is 'weird,' as TOEFL tests English as well! Additionally, the difficulty level of the IELTS varies in each examination.
Therefore, I strongly recommend the LRN exams, which are easier than the IELTS and TOEFL English language proficiency exams and the Cambridge & Michigan exams of proficiency/ advanced/ first certificate. For this reason, LRN exams became immensely popular and now seem to displace the Cambridge and Michigan exams concerning preference! For further information about the LRN, you may visit their website on http://www.lrnglobal.org/
Which are the benefits of the LRN test?
Students can choose the level they wish: B1, B2, C1, or C2. Additionally, the base at all Levels is 50 percent. All skills are counterbalanced without conditions, while the students can repeat the test at no charge! Moreover, listening is simple, and students listen to it twice. An innovation of LRN is that the students hear Listening Section 3 for the third time, and it is similar to the topic of Writing Section 1 Task 1. Another benefit is that students can prepare for the Speaking two weeks before the Exams. The Speaking Syllabus for the January and June Examinations is from the beginning of the School Year. Moreover, the LRN test is affordable for Exams as they give opportunities without traps or peculiarities! That makes it favorable for Level C2. They aim to reduce the stress of the students who take the exams and achieve their highest performance! It is also desirable for students with learning disabilities.
Is there a worldwide consensus on using a specific globally accepted English language form?
No, there is not. Thus, the confusion is perpetuated, as every English-speaking country has its idioms, rules, and accent! Often, between different countries, there may be striking differences. For instance, ‘At the weekend’ is OK in British English, but it may be ‘on the weekend’ in North American English! Also, I recall an American commenting on a forum chat who found the phrase ‘Hi guys’ incorrect as the audience may include females as well. But I don’t find it insulting as ‘guys’ may mean people of either sex!
An additional confusion exists with the units of measurement, e.g., weight is internationally measured in kilograms. Still, it is measured in pounds in the USA or stones when measuring body weight in the UK! In my opinion, it’s time to establish ‘International English’ with an international consensus of what is acceptable and right to use referring to language rules and accent, rather than splitting English into UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and other types of English as the confusion will continue!
Two funny personal examples
A funny personal example was when I once landed at Sydney airport, and I was asked, along with the rest of the passengers, to fill in a form asking various typical questions. Among the questions, one asked, ‘Do you carry any drugs?’ I naively ticked the ‘yes’ option, as I thought they meant medicine, presuming that it would be stupid for someone to admit to carrying illicit drugs of abuse! Soon after this, several cops gathered and inquired about me until I explained to them that I simply meant ‘medicine’! After my explanations, they next let me free. The point of this story is to ‘never presume,’ which became one of my favorite mottos!
Another funny example is the word 'pants.' As an Australian, I use the word pants with the meaning of 'underpants.' In American English, 'pants' means trousers. So, I feel a bit strange when I meet the word 'pants' (with the meaning of trousers) in American movies!
The need to create an integrated international English
International English is the global form of English language that is between North American and British English. An example is the British-American amalgam accent on the international version of broadcasts such as Deutsche Welle and the BBC, and especially their documentaries, as well as documentaries on History Channel, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic that address an international audience.
I firmly believe that there should be an integrated international organization teaching and assessing what I call ‘international English.’ Therefore, I hope one day people, after an international consensus, to create ‘international English.’ Until then, confusion will still exist!
Thanks for reading!