Rabat: As the British Council commemorates its 90th anniversary, it maintains its influential role in language education, cultural exchange, and research. This significant milestone is highlighted by the release of The Future of English: Global Perspectives, a pivotal publication from the British Council’s continuous research into the role of English worldwide.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the report builds on previous studies and examines global perspectives on the use of English for educational, professional, and social purposes. The findings are particularly timely as English proficiency becomes increasingly vital for personal and professional success in the MENA region and globally.
This research is part of the British Council’s three-phase global project analyzing the evolving role of English as a global language, following the impactful studies by David Graddol, The Future of English (1997) and English Next (2006), which have influenced global discussions on language education.
The Future
of English: Global Perspectives expands on Graddol’s work, incorporating insights from extensive roundtable discussions with policymakers and educational leaders worldwide, providing valuable insights into English language trends and future projections.
The British Council’s research offers distinct regional insights into the current and future state of English learning. Delegates from MENA countries shared their perspectives during roundtable discussions on the perception and teaching of English across the region.
In the Maghreb region (Morocco, Tunisia, Libya), the demand for English is steadily increasing, driven by aspirations for better educational and employment opportunities. Young people in Morocco, in particular, wish to see English replace French, although it is generally agreed that English should not overshadow other languages.
In the Gulf region (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar), English is increasingly becoming the lingua franca. Technological advancements and the shift to flexible
learning modes during the pandemic have reshaped language education, highlighting the need for educators to improve digital literacy.
Regarding Egypt and the Levant (Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Jordan), English is becoming a significant asset for economic mobility, though the quality of provision remains inconsistent. Stakeholders emphasize the need to address technology access and ensure equitable learning opportunities.
The research also explores the transformative impact of technology on language learning. The British Council’s commitment to using digital tools to support language learning is evident across MENA, ensuring that both teachers and students can benefit from high-quality resources and innovative solutions, even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report stresses that language learning policies should align with the evolving needs of today’s learners, challenging traditional education systems that focus heavily on grammar and spelling. It calls for a shift towards
practical language skills, such as speaking and listening, essential for success in today’s globalized world.
Policymakers are encouraged to consider how English language learning can best serve the needs of learners, focusing on equipping them for the workplace and other real-world contexts.
“The British Council has been at the heart of transforming language learning globally for 90 years, and the Future of English research demonstrates that the demand for English is stronger than ever. As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting learners and educators through innovative resources and research-driven insights,” Regional Director of British Council MENA Amir Ramzan said, as quoted in the release.
Since its establishment in 1960, the British Council in Morocco has fostered cultural collaboration, strengthened further in 1981 through a cultural agreement between the British and Moroccan governments. Currently, the British Council operates in four Moroccan cities, teaching English to over 8,00
0 students annually.
The British Council invites educators, policymakers, and learners across the MENA region to engage with the findings of The Future of English: Global Perspectives and participate in ongoing discussions on the future of language education.