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  • Essay / Global use of English in the contemporary world:...

    Global use of English in the contemporary worldColumbia's school curriculum has been tested by various types of foreign language introduction reform such as the French, Italian, German and English. . (Anne-Marie de Mejia, 153p.) According to the General Education Law 115 (1994), Colombia's education system should include at least one external language. In 2006, English was acquired in order to fulfill this objective. (Gabriel Vicente Obando Guerrero, 182p.) The National Ministry of Education (2006) explains the current resolution as an opportunity to establish the country on the path of cultural franchise, global communication and global economy . Since many English implementation programs had been initiated by this time, a distinct denotation of the term "bilingualism", which directly emphasizes English-Spanish bilingualism, emerged as a result. One of the most sustainable programs inoculated by the Colombian government and expected to bring great results is the “Programa Nacional de Bilingüismo” (Colombia's National Bilingual Program). It is complemented by the president's project called "Educational Revolution" and plans to change the educational approach in this country. There are 5 fundamental objectives to be achieved: 1) improvements in the English teaching and learning system; 2) ongoing assessments of the adequacy of student and teacher communication; 3) support teachers in their professional growth; 4) involve new media in the teaching of English; 5) merge bilingual and trilingual norms across all of Colombia's diverse ethnic networks. (Cely, 2007 cited in Jaime A. Usma Wilches, 2009). Although this program seems appropriate, it has a significant drawback that has caused much debate...... middle of article...... is that English, as a language used in the whole world, can lead Colombia towards the global market system. Moreover, this is the key point of creating a new society that is forgiving and frank towards culture. (Anne-Marie de Mejia, p.153). This means that the future Colombian generation will be able to recognize and respect other cultures. There are some problems in the Colombian education system, caused by misunderstandings between the government and academics. However, the bilingual program, based on English-Spanish bilingualism, is able to improve the current state and bring many benefits to cultural growth and economic situation. By developing relevant educational policies, the government will be able to successfully implement the Programa Nacional de Bilingüismo until 2019, which will contribute to bringing the country to the internationally competitive level..