English Ability Affect Competitiveness In the Global World
Indonesia is currently ranked 28th out of 63 countries in the level of English language skills, which is based on the results of a recent study of English Proficiency Index (EPI) conducted by the Education First (EF). The adjustment of the state rankings are based on English language test results conducted on 750,000 adults in 2013, where the result is being compared to the results of the EF EPI study in seven years back, since 2007.
Compared with other 63 countries, Indonesia is currently in the intermediate category with a score of 52.74 capability, while the ability is still very dominated by European countries, such as Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden which reached a total of 69.30 Score. In Indonesia, the English language skills of adults have increased over the last seven years, in the amount of 7.96 points, which is the largest sector of the regional rankings. Within the level of Asia, Indonesia ranked 6 out of 14 countries, where men and women have quite a high English language skills. Several major cities such as DKI Jakarta, followed by Bali, Yogyakarta, West Sumatra, West Java are regarded to have the best ability in English language.
Indonesia has its own obstacles to improve the standard of English Nationwide, starting from the implementation of the curriculum to support the private sector in providing additional training to improve the English language skills within the Indonesian community.
Every individual, schools, as well as Governments from around the world have the motivation to improve their English language skills, however, many states have the difficulty in measuring the learning outcomes. Therefore EF EPI is here to provides a benchmark to support the English language skill for adults from year to year.
"English is the core competencies that is needed to face the challenges of the global world, ranging from the challenges of business, economics, education, as well as the quality of life. Each state has a different regarding the way the teach English language. Hence EF EPI is committed to examine and assess the role of language education and help to provide useful information for the development of language education around the world,” said Dr. Christopher McCormick, EF Senior Vice President Of Academic
There is a correlation between the fluency in English with social and economic aspect, such as income and the ease of doing business. Therefore, in addition to the primary language (Indonesian), it is also important to introduced a second languague, such as English, which has become a basic skill that is need within the global community.
Although Indonesia is in the intermediate level of English proficiency, unfortunately it is still dominated by big cities only. Therefore, increasing the English language ability of other small towns in the city is extremely crucial. As a result, it is important to have a precise pattern of language learning that is effective and efficient so that the ability of every Indonesian city becomes more even. In addition, an increase in quality of the teachers is also crucial so that the teaching process can be delivered and implemented perfectly.
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