A fair idea to spread English
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WHATEVER happened to Basic English? As I remember, its cause was championed by Winston Churchill. The idea was that with a short vocabulary and the use of the most simple, everyday English verbs (I go, but not I travel, I journey, I commute, etc) it would serve better than any other existing language (or Esperanto) as a lingua franca.
Since those days the sophisticated use of English as the language of world communication has grown, which brings me to a unique exhibition being held at the Barbican Centre, London, October 22-24 — an English Language Fair, organised by Industrial and Trade Fairs Ltd, Oriel House, 26 the Quadrant, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey (tel: 01-940 6065). It will be a market place for the promotion of English language related products and services and interchange of ideas.
The fair is expected to gain attention from governments — ministers of education from around the world have been invited to join a Committee of Honour; from educationists; and international business and commerce.
More than 700m people are estimated to use English as their first or second language on an everyday basis. This number can only grow as communications technology spreads. The fair will demonstrate the latest teaching aids, advanced systems of language communication and instructional techniques. The aim is to develop the role of English in its international context.
The target audience includes the education and training officers of the world's top 1,000 companies. However, many small firms are engaged in international transport — and all facets of world trade: the language of their international operation is so often English. Business Press International will be among organisations there — on stand 166.
Among those on the fair's advisory council are the British Tourist Authority, the BBC and the English Speaking Union. The Duke of Edinburgh is patron.
The fair will not be open to the public; admission will be by complimentary ticket, but I understand that no one with bona fide interests (and a business card) is likely to be turned away.
Just for the record, the organising company is part of our parent company, Reed International, but the fair's a good idea, isn't it? J.F.D.