Basic English as International Language

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 58, 11 March 1944, Page 5

Basic English as International Language

MR. CHURCHILL EXPLAINS IMPORTANT DECISION (British Official Wireless.) Received Friday, 9.30 p.m. RUGBY, March 9. The British Government has approved in principle of the report on basic Engiisn su omitted by a committee of Ministers and has decided to take steps to develop this as an auxiliary international and administrative language. Announcing this Mr. Churchill told the Commons that the committee distinguished between the use of a system such as basic English as an auxiliary international language and as a method of teaching ordinary English. In the latter field several very promising methods other than basic English had been developed in recent years and there was no reason why the Government should support one rather than another. So far, However, as concerned the use of basic English as an auxiliary international language the British Government was impressed with the great advantages which would enuse from its development not in substitution for the established literary language but a 3 a supplement thereto. The use of such an auxiliary language would be greatly increased by progressive diffusion. The British Government has, therefore, decided on the following steps: Firstly: The British Council will include among its activities the teaching of basic English as far as may be rracticable in any area where there may be a demand for a specific purpose as an auxiliary medium of international communication. This will be in addition to and not substitution for the Council’s more general activities in promoting the teaching of English for its own sake. Secondly: Diplomatic and commercial representatives in foreign countries will be asked to do all they can to encourage the spread of basic English as an auxiliary language. Thirdly: It is intended to arrange for the translation into basic English of a wider range of scientific, technical and general literature both from ordinary English and foreign languages, also to increase the supply of manuals of instruction on basic English. Fourthly: Some colonial Governments will be invited to experiment by the issue in basic English of handbooks for the colonial people on agriculture, hygiene, etc., and by the use of this simplified language as a medium for home and administrative instructions by the Government. Fifthly: The 8.8. C. will be asked to consider the inclusion of teaching in basic English in appropriate overseas programmes.