Speaker
Description
Understanding the economic and social value of English remains a critical yet underexplored dimension of language policy and planning. The Economic Value of English (EVE) project builds on the Future of English: Global Perspectives to examine how English contributes to economic and social development, and how this value is articulated across policy, education, and lived experience.
Drawing on a mixed-methods design - including literature review, policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and surveys of young adults (18–23) across Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam - the EVE project examines how national strategies align with societal expectations and labour market demands. It explores learners’ motivations, patterns of use, and perceptions of English in relation to employment, mobility, and participation in digitally mediated, internationally engaged environments.
This paper presents preliminary findings from Vietnam, focusing on how young adults in higher education conceptualise the role and relevance of English. As Vietnam repositions English from a foreign language subject towards a more functional second language, the paper highlights implications for educators and next steps in language policy, educational practice, and future research in Vietnam’s evolving economic and linguistic landscape.
Biography
Andrew Milner, Exams Academic Support Manager, British Council East Asia
Andy has been involved in teaching English for over 35 years and has worked in seven different countries in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Most of his career has been with the British Council as an academic manager, and he has also taught a wide range of courses, developed syllabuses and materials, trained teachers, and worked as an examiner for Cambridge exams, including IELTS.
In addition to an initial certificate in teaching English, Andy has two postgraduate diplomas: one in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and one in Educational Management in TESOL. His areas of expertise are English for Adults and High School, Academic English, Professional English, and Exam Preparation.
Since 2018, Andy has been one of the British Council’s global team of specially trained IELTS Teacher Trainers and more recently has been training teachers on the CEFR and preparing students for CEFR-related tests such as Aptis. Andy currently works as the Academic Support Manager for the British Council’s East Asia Exams teams, advising on the connections between teaching, learning and assessment.
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