Language and Content in Higher Education

McDougald cites that language is a crucial element in not only the exchange of ideas but in collaboration and the construction of new knowledge. In the context of foreign or additional language learning, English has come to occupy an almost unique position as a leading global language; global English in a sociolinguistic context referring almost literally to the use of English as a global language. The effects of globalization are making the need to understand and use English increasingly more of a need than a mere desire--and no least in higher educational institutions worldwide. It has become a fact that English has increasingly become part of the lives of university students, faculty, and administrators worldwide--or needs to become so, at the risk of their being disadvantaged in an increasingly globalized economy and society. Regardless of the approach taken to addressing this issue, there are five key areas in which content and language educators must be conversant: content area, pedagogy, second language acquisition, language teaching and materials selection and adaptation.