World´s largest English class in.....?

Spanish newswire EFE reports an attempt to break the Guiness world record for the largest English class by Mexico on August 29: México intentará batir récord Guiness con la mayor clase de idiomas del mundo (Mexico will attempt to break the Guiness world record for the largest langauge class.)

The class will be held in the stadium at the Ciudad Universitaria in DF (Distrito Federal - Mexico City) and held simultaneously in 25 other cities in public squares, all with the watchful eye of Guiness officials.

Mexico wants t break the record held by Germany in 2006 when 6,287 students gathered to learn languages.

The 45-minute class will cover basic English: salutations and greetings, the numbers or telling time.

In Mexico, though bordered to the north by the United States, only 10 percent of the population speaks English, and this event hopes to "impulsar la enseñanza del inglés" (promote English teaching) - and learning too!

What a great way to call attention to the importance of learning languages and especially inglés!

So mark your calendars and if you are in Mexico, attend a local lesson!
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please call Professor Winn at 6214-1511 or send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

American English Is the Most Popular

In the video below, Professor David Chrystal makes a poignant point about the various types of English in the world today. And yes, English professors should make their students aware of the different pronunciations, vocabulary and structures.

While there are more non-native professor of English than native-speakers, and given the breadth and depth of English in global commuications, of course one cannot expect a monolithic language.

However, another point must also be made: there is a preference for American English among English learners.

This fact is particulary relevant given the "soft power" of the United States in global culture, a term popularized by Harvard Professor Joseph Nye.




*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please call Professor Winn at 6214-1511 or send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

World Cup Lingua Franca ? English!

How do all the referees keep the players and coaches in check as the teams play their hearts out to reach the final next month?

When the world´s best come together to compete in soccer´s "super bowl," what langauge is used?

They use the world language - English - as explained in a column by Soo Ewe Jin in the Malyasian Star online.