Teaching English as an International Language to Future Army Leaders

Abstract English is nowadays a “lingua franca”, a language that speakers of various native tongues use to communicate with one another. This global role has implications for cultural exchange, international relations, and access to information. Understanding the reasons behind English’s global reach and its impact on societies offers insight into how language shapes our interconnected world. Military personnel can greatly benefit from learning International English because it enables clear and effective communication in diverse, international settings. As the armed forces are increasingly engaged in multinational operations, there appears an increased need for better communication between the soldiers and military leaders and the local populations as well as between the national militaries and their foreign counterparts. The fact that the mastery of the English language must be a priority cannot be overstated in this context.