Text 3. English, employability and communication

Globalization and the dominance of the United States in the 20th (Friedman, 2009) and 21st centuries have led to the global spread of English (Crystal, 2003) as the international language of communication, science, technology, medicine, tourism, and many other fields (Altbach, 2010; Graddol, 2006; Crystal, 1992; Phillipson, 1992; Bisong, 1995). Nowadays, English functions as a bridge that synchronically and diachronically connects students as individuals with an enormous knowledge base and resource of information. The amount of information stored in English is huge, but it is not readily accessible to those who do not know the language. (Tuzlukova and Al-Mahrooqi, 2010, p. 41)

Because English is undisputedly the language of information and technology, it is expected to remain influential in the coming few decades (Graddol, 2006; Crystal, 2002). Indeed, David Crystal (2002) asserts that English has become such a pervasive power that it is now unstoppable, so that a shift to another language is unlikely in the near future. Because countries around the world have recognized the importance of English as a tool for acquiring knowledge and technology, they teach it at all educational levels and use it widely in their national life/

Hence, effective oral and written communication in English tops the list of re.uired employability skills in fields across any modern economy (Graddol, 2006; Ghasempoor, Liaghardar & Jafari, 2011; Altbach, 2010).

Requiring employees to possess a high level of language proficiency as well as cultural and pragmatic knowledge (Myles, 2009) is important because communicative ability involves more than mere knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. It involves the ability to express oneself clearly and appropriately depending on situation, interlocutors, topic, time, and place. For many employers, communication skills are more important than subjects studied during degree programs. Handling complex information and communicating it effectively is a major requirement in most professional fields (Wickramasinghe & Perera, 2010).

(Source: Rahma Al-Mahrooqi. English Communication Skills: How Are They Taught at Schools and Universities in Oman? (2012). English Language Teaching Vol. 5, No. 4, 161-167.)