English Language Learning — The Consumers’ Point of View

Abstract

In this country, as elsewhere in the world, English Language teaching and learning may together be viewed as twin pillars of a growing industry. A great and increasing amount of human attention, energy and resources are being spent on making the industry a productive one. Millions of dollars are paid out as wages to those who have chosen to make a living by teaching the language. Many more millions are spent on curriculum development, teacher training, testing, resource development, teacher importation and the like. More than three million children spend scores of man hours each trying to learn the language. Publishers derive a great part of their income from the sale of language courses and related materials. Teaching aids are produced by firms who specialise in the business. A fair proportion of broadcasting time is allotted to language instruction on radio and television. There are strong indicators that these activities will go on increasing in volume and intensity.