Be an English Speaker Today: A Global Lycean

According to the World Economic Forum, in an article titled “The Link Between English and Economics,” published in 2017, billions of people around the globe are desperately trying to learn English—not simply for self-improvement but as an economic necessity. It’s easy to take for granted being born in a country where people speak the lingua franca of global business, but for people in emerging economies such as China, Russia, and Brazil, where English is not the official language, good English is a critical tool, which people rightly believe will help them tap into new opportunities at home and abroad. The United Nations emphasized that, at present, every one in four people in the world uses English. English is being used more and more as a way for two speakers with different first languages to communicate with each other.

The Lyceum of the Philippines University—Cavite truly believes in the vital role of the English language for its students’ readiness to compete in the global arena. With this, the “Be an English Speaker Today” (BEST) program was launched to assist its students in practicing and building confidence in speaking the language.

About the LPU-C BEST Program

To build an environment that reflects the strengths of our students in terms of communication skills, the program seeks to improve the English-dominant academic institution that values language and its link to culture, diversity, and academics, and to promote positive student identity. A strong command of the English language empowers students to engage with others effectively and enhances their self-esteem, since it is the medium through which universities prepare students to become future professionals who can effectively convey their thoughts and ideas. ​The English language will also be used as the medium for instruction across all colleges through the following:

  • English Speaking Zones​ – Apart from students using the English language inside the University, priority will be given to employees from all departments, particularly those who interact directly with customers, as the target audience for English Speaking zones. Both parties shall interact, where applicable, with applicable practical and professional   skills, recognize and convey ideas, concerns and knowledge in order to reach professional objectives and offices and colleges are required to communicate in English.
  • Oral Communication Assessments​Students should effectively communicate complicated facts, ideas, and arguments using a style and language that is subject-, purpose-, and audience-appropriate. This covers group and collaborative efforts through activities measuring language proficiency.
  • Discipline-based English Courses – Students will be able demonstrate knowledge of discourses and advancement and exhibit expertise and a critical comprehension of topic, including their specialized programs with the help of the language instructors. They will also be able to choose the proper approaches to analyze subject-specific issues, integrate, assess, and question information from several sources.
  • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) – The certification will allow the academic community to plan, monitor, and assess learnings of students as independent learners, and look for methods to enhance strategies to support students’ performance. The examination will be a facilitator for progress, giving students competitive advantage via improved English communication skills.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Program –There will be seven levels of teaching at the Center for Language Studies of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, facilitated by the Internationalization and External Affairs Office, ranging from lessons for individuals with no English skills to classes for those with advanced abilities.

English Language Day

The United Nations celebrates English Language Day every April 23rd, the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. As well as being the most famous playwright who wrote in English, Shakespeare also had a huge impact on modern-day English. With this, LPU-C is one with the United Nations in celebrating and advocating the significant role of the English language in this time of globalization. (SOURCE: English Language Day | United Nations