Gwangju International Center

How to Become a Creative and Critical User of English 

Speaker: Dr. Park Ju-kyong, a professor in Honam University

Date: August, 18th, 2012

Reviewer: Kang, Yeon-ju

Edittor: Samuel Winters

Dr. Park introduced some ideas on methods to become a creative user of English. Most Korean people have studied English for several reasons. The speaker first detailed the history of studying English in Korea. The first English school, Dongmunhak, was built in 1883, but at that time just a few students studied English. In the history of studying English in Korea, up through the year 1993 there was no speaking component in testing proficiency. Starting in 1994, English listening tests have been introduced and students learning English have focused on these tests. Dr. Park reviewed a variety of terms and acronyms and detailed there differences as approaches to studying English, such as ESL, ESOL, EFL, TESOL, EAL, EIL, ELF, ESP, EAP, ELL, LEP, CLD, and LOTE. As an example, the speaker discussed the current approach of Sukmeong female university in introducing TESOL programs in addition to the existing English education program. However, the speaker argued that TESOL and English education differ only in that English education is more theoretical-based while TESOL is more practical.

The speaker discussed how currently, in the common approach, Korean people tend to learn English from native speakers. There is a belief that English proficiency should improve simply through this exposure and that the goal for Korean learners of English should be to strive for a native-speaker level of English. This misguided notion is described with the term 'native-speakerism’ On account of such prejudice, many English teachers from Korea have less confidence of their abilities. 

Dr. Park introduced that the current trend for many people learning English has been the approach to teaching and learning English as EIL, or English as an International Language. The focus in this approach is that English is an international language, so learners speak English to serve the wider community, not to achieve a native-speaker level.

The presentation also included some tips for being a creative user of English. To use English creatively, Dr. Park emphasized above all, ‘Analyze your needs’. You have to know why you are eager to study English, whether your motivation is to marry a nice-looking guy or to get a job abroad. Otherwise, you might be less interested in using English as time goes by. After you find your own purpose to speak English, you have to set your own strategy to study it. Again, the goal shouldn’t  be to sound like a native-speaker, and there is no need for that. However, the learner needs to have confidence and should not get stuck on the individual’s problems in learning English. Also, Dr. Park encouraged listeners to create more opportunities to use English. She listed going to the GIC and listening to GFN as some excellent opportunities for using English in the Gwangju area, as well as many other such activities one can participate in. The speaker emphasized the importance of exposure to English. The top priority for using English is that the learner needs to respond positively to learning situation. 

Dr. Park reiterated that Korean learners of English will not be able to use English as well as native speakers for whom English is their first language, but that that should not be discouraging. She encouraged learners to not be shy and to be positive. One’s attitude towards learning English help him or her to make optimal conditions for language learning.

Watch the lecture's video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddkvpQ_REpA&feature=relmfu