Statement Of Values and Aims of The Moroccan Curriculum
The aims of the curriculum is in conformity with the four sets of values outlined in the National Charter for Education and Training; namely, the values of Islam, the values of the Moroccan identity, its cultural and ethical principles, the values of citizenship, and the values of human rights and their universal principles.
In fact, the educational system in general, and the curriculum in particular, are geared towards meeting the ever-changing economic, social and cultural needs of Morocco, and those of the learners.
What is English?
English is a West Germanic language that originated in England and is now the most widely spoken language in the world. It is the official language of many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. English is also one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and many other international organizations.
English is a highly versatile and adaptable language that has evolved over time to absorb words and expressions from other languages, resulting in a diverse and rich vocabulary. English has a relatively simple grammar compared to other languages, making it easier to learn for non-native speakers.
English is used as a medium of communication in various contexts, including business, education, entertainment, and diplomacy. It is also the language of the internet, which has facilitated the spread of English around the world.
As teachers, our role is to help my students develop their proficiency in English, both in terms of understanding the language and using it effectively.
This involves teaching various aspects of the language, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension, as well as providing opportunities for students to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Through the study of English, students can enhance their communication skills, expand their knowledge of different cultures, and improve their career prospects in a globalized world.
History of English Language
The history of the English language is a long and complex one, spanning over 1,500 years. The earliest form of the English language is known as Old English or Anglo-Saxon, which was spoken in what is now England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. Old English was a Germanic language that was heavily influenced by Latin, Celtic, and Scandinavian languages, as well as other Germanic dialects.
In the 11th century, the Norman Conquest brought about a significant change in the English language. French became the language of the ruling class, and the Old English language was gradually replaced by Middle English, which was a mix of French and Old English. Middle English was spoken from the 11th to the 15th centuries and saw the development of the English language's grammar and vocabulary.
In the 15th century, the printing press was introduced to England, leading to a standardization of the English language, which became known as Early Modern English. This period saw a significant increase in the number of loanwords from Latin and Greek and the emergence of the Great Vowel Shift, which changed the pronunciation of many English words.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the English language underwent a period of standardization and codification, with the publication of dictionaries and grammars. The British Empire's expansion during this time led to the spread of the English language around the world.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the English language continued to evolve and change, with the development of new technologies and the spread of American English, which has become the dominant form of English used worldwide.
Today, English is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1.5 billion speakers, and continues to evolve and change as it adapts to the needs of its speakers in the modern world.
How Many People Speak English in The World?
English is the third most spoken language in the world after Chinese (Mandarin) and Spanish. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion people in the world speak English, either as their first language, second language, or foreign language.
Around 360 million people speak English as their first language, primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the majority of English speakers in the world are non-native speakers, who use English as a second or foreign language for communication in international contexts, such as business, education, and tourism.
English is also the official language of over 50 countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines, where it is used alongside other languages as a means of communication.
What Does ELT Stand For?
ELT stands for "English Language Teaching," which refers to the teaching and learning of the English language to non-native speakers. ELT is a field that encompasses various aspects of language teaching, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.
ELT is a crucial component of language education, as English has become the most widely spoken language in the world, with an estimated 1.5 billion people currently learning or using English worldwide. The goal of ELT is to provide students with the necessary language skills to communicate effectively in English, both in academic and non-academic contexts.
ELT is taught in a variety of settings, including schools, language centers, and online platforms, using various methodologies and approaches that cater to the specific needs and goals of learners. ELT teachers use a range of teaching techniques and materials, such as textbooks, audio-visual aids, and technology, to create engaging and effective lessons that support students' language learning.
In summary, ELT is the field of teaching and learning the English language, which plays a crucial role in enabling people to communicate and interact with others from different cultures and countries in our increasingly globalized world.
What Was The First English Dictionary in The World?
The first English dictionary was published in 1604 and was called "A Table Alphabeticall." It was written by a schoolteacher named Robert Cawdrey, and it contained around 3,000 words with short definitions. The dictionary was not comprehensive and did not include many of the words that are commonly used today.
Over the years, several other dictionaries were published that were more extensive and comprehensive. The most famous of these is the Oxford English Dictionary, which was first published in parts between 1884 and 1928.
The Oxford English Dictionary is widely regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionary of the English language, containing over 600,000 words and their meanings, origins, and usage.
ELT Terminology:
EFL: English as a Foreign Language - Refers to teaching and learning English in a country where it is not the primary language.
ESL: English as a Second Language - Refers to teaching and learning English in a country where it is one of the official languages, but not the primary language.
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Refers to the practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages in countries where English is not the primary language.
TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language - Refers to the practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages in countries where English is one of the official languages, but not the primary language.
ESP: English for Specific Purposes - Refers to teaching English to learners who need it for a specific purpose, such as business or tourism.
EAP: English for Academic Purposes - Refers to teaching English to learners who need it for academic purposes, such as for university or college study.
Some Beneficial Tips For ELT Teachers:
Be well-prepared: Before starting a lesson, make sure that you have planned and prepared well in advance. This includes having a clear objective, selecting appropriate teaching materials, and preparing any necessary resources.
Create a positive learning environment: Create a supportive and engaging environment that encourages students to participate and learn. This includes building rapport with your students, using positive reinforcement, and providing regular feedback.
Use a variety of teaching methods: Use a variety of teaching methods and techniques to cater to different learning styles and keep your lessons interesting and engaging. This includes using visual aids, audio materials, games, and interactive activities.
Encourage participation: Encourage participation from all students by using group work, pair work, and class discussions. This helps students to practice their language skills in a natural setting and build confidence.
Provide feedback: Provide regular feedback to your students on their progress, both positive and negative. This helps students to understand their strengths and weaknesses and work on areas that need improvement.
Be flexible: Be flexible and willing to adapt your lessons and teaching style to meet the needs of individual students or the class as a whole.
Use technology: Incorporate technology into your teaching, where appropriate, to provide additional resources and practice opportunities for your students.
Keep learning: Continue to learn and improve your own English language skills and teaching methods through professional development opportunities, such as attending workshops or conferences, or reading ELT publications.
Establish clear expectations: Set clear expectations and guidelines for behavior and participation from the outset to create a structured learning environment that encourages academic growth.
Stay motivated and passionate: Stay motivated and passionate about teaching English and providing your students with the best learning experience possible.
References:
- Strevens, P. (1981). What Is' Standard English'?. Relc Journal, 12(2), 1-9.
- Rindal, U. (2014). What is English?. Acta Didactica Norge, 8(2), 14-17.
- Strang, B. M. (2015). A history of English. Routledge.
- Culpeper, J. (2015). History of English. Routledge.
- English Language Guidelines for Secondary Schools: Common Core, First Year, and Second Year Baccalaureate (November 2007).