Introduction

The English language is considered as a global language because it is

the most spoken language around the world. It began to spread during the 17th
century with the British Empire and in the 20th century was strongly reinforced
by the USA world domination in economic, political and scientific aspects1.
Nowadays, English is used by most people in their everyday life for business,
technology, trade and for entertainment all over the world.

Here in Argentina, teenagers are exposed to the English language

mainly because of the use of the internet where they can find information,
music, films, games, and the different social media. However, this global
language is not only useful for entertainment, but also for communication in the
current processes of economic, technological, scientific and cultural expansion2.
Because of this, in 2006 the “Ley de Educación Nacional 26.206 3” introduce
the English language learning as mandatory at primary and secondary level4.

The purpose of this study was to examine if students from secondary

school in Argentina really realize the importance the English language has in
their life and in their future. In order to obtain answers, 18 students from private
and state-run schools have been surveyed.

Theoretical Background

English is considered a global language because it has grown worldwide.

People use the global language to simplify communication between people from
other countries. From the 17th century onwards, English language began to be
spread over the world. It is due to important factors such as the power of the
British Empire, the importance of the Industrial Revolution in England and the
emerge of USA as a political and economic superpower after the 1st and 2nd
World War5. Besides, English spreads as a consequence of America
Technological domination.

As regards Argentina, English was introduced in the curriculum design in

selected public schools in the early 1900s. However, it was only taught at
secondary level, which was neither free nor compulsory. Learning a second
language became mandatory at primary and secondary education levels under
the 2006 “Ley de Educación Nacional”. English curriculums for both primary and

David Crystal (2nd edition 2003) “ English as a global language” Chap.1 “Why a global
1

language?”
2
Dirección General de Cultura (2006). Diseño curricular de Inglés, Segundo Ciclo.
Buenos Aires, Ministerio de Educación. Pag. 9
3 “ National Education Law”
4 British Council (May 2015) “English in Argentina” Page18. “English language learning analysis.”
5 David Crystal (2nd edition 2003) “ English as a global language” Chap.2 “Why english? The
historical context.”
secondary level were created in many provinces. Even though the law did not
specify which foreign language has to be taught, most provinces promote
English in their schools, Buenos Aires included. According to the Curriculum
Design, ELT enable students from secondary school to6:

 Be inserted in the work of globalized world.

 Have access to the world of technology and science.
 Expand their communicative competence.
 Consolidate their own identity and develop the comprehension of
other cultures.
 Develop their critical thought.

Methodology

In order to carry out my investigation, eighteen students of English from

secondary school were surveyed. All of them attended secondary school in
Western Greater Buenos Aires including Morón, Castelar, Ituzaingo, Merlo and
Moreno. The survey consisted of four multiple choices questions and two open
questions. The aim of these questions was to discover whether students from
secondary school consider The English language important for their lives and
for their future or not. The questions were written in Spanish since it is students´
native language and the surveys were designed in a digital format to make it
easier for the interviewees to answer them.

Results

Eighteen students of English from secondary school took the survey.

Sixteen of the respondents attended a state school and only two attend a
private school. When students were asked if they enjoyed the subject of
English, 55.6% answered “to a small extent.” “To a fair extent” was chosen by
33,3% of the respondents, whereas “to a large extent” and “Not at all” were
chosen both by only 5,6% of the respondents (Figure 1).

6Dirección General de Cultura (2006). Diseño curricular de Inglés, Segundo Ciclo.

Buenos Aires, Ministerio de Educación. Pag. 9 y 10.
 Do you enjoy the subject of English?

5.6 5.6

To a large extent
33.3 To a fair extent
To a small extent
Not at all
55.6

FIGURE 1

When students were asked to say if they use the English language in any
aspects of their life, 66, 7% of the respondents answered “No” and the other
33,3% answered “Yes.”

In the open question “In what aspect of your life do you use English? only
six students answered. Three of the students agreed on using English for
games and internet, two of the respondents answered they use English to talk
with people who native language is English and one answered that he/she used
English for everyday answers of affirmation.

When students were asked, “Do you think learning English is

important?”61, 1% of the respondents answered “To a large extent.” 22.2% of
students answered “To a fair extent” and 16, 7% chose the option “To a small
extent” (Figure 2).
 Do you think learning English is important?
0

16.7

To a large extent
To a fair extent

22.2 To a small extent

61.1 Not at all

Figure 2

When students were asked if they considered studying English will be

useful for their future, 61.1% of the respondents answered “To a large extent.”
27.8% chose the option “To a fair extent” and the 11.1% answered “to a small
extent”. None chose the option “Not at all” (Figure 3).

Do you consider studying English will be

useful for your future?
0

11.1

To a large extent
To a fair extent
27.8
To a small extent
61.1 Not al all

FIGURE 3

Seventeen students answered the last open question “Why do you think
English will be useful for your future?” all of them considered that English will be
useful to improve their employment prospects and to travel abroad.
 Discussion

According to what students answered, I can say that most of them

considered the English language as a very important tool for their future. They
are aware that English is the language of international communication and if
they do not want to be relegated from the world they have to know English.
Even though most of the respondents answered they do not enjoy the subject,
the English language has a universal presence in adolescents everyday life.
This motivate and inspire teenagers to learn English