"In our quest for quality English language teaching worldwide, research must come first."

James Alatis, TIRF Trustee

The International Research
Foundation
for English Language Education

Why I Give to TIRF > Kensaku Yoshida

Why I Give to TIRF

Kensaku Yoshida

We all know that English is no longer simply the language spoken by its native speakers. It is also a language used in different forms in many parts of the world as official or auxiliary languages. Furthermore, it is a language which is used as the common means of communication around the world wherever people who do not understand each other's language come together. The significance of TIRF, I believe, lies in acknowledging this 'international' nature of English, and offering its help and resources to people working in various areas of English language education around the world.

There are researchers in many Asian countries who do not have the funds necessary to conduct research to improve English education in their region. Asia TEFL, which is still a young international organization (but with a membership of close to 7000 from over 35 Asian countries), is in its fourth year, giving Asian scholars and teachers an international venue in which to share the fruits of their research with people from other countries. The ultimate goal of the organization is to develop some kind of Asian Standards for the teaching of English for international communication in Asia.

The development of such local organizations, I believe, is essential if we are to advocate the role of International English as a common means of communication among people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. However, there are problems, the major ones being funding and professional help. Many researchers and teachers in the world do not have the money or the time to study in reknowned institutions, most of which are located in English-speaking countries. However, they are working extremely hard every day to improve the English levels of the adults and children in their countries.

I believe TIRF has the potential and the responsibility to provide the two most essential forms of assistance to the international EFL community, i.e., funds to conduct research to improve English education in the local areas, and to provide professional assistance to the researchers and teachers in these areas. It’s not just the money that’s important. Providing professionals to help with research projects is, I believe, just as important, if not more so.

I believe that with the people involved in its organization and activities, TIRF can accomplish the two goals mentioned above. However, for TIRF to do its job, it needs people who are willing to contribute to its cause. I have donated to TIRF because I believe in the importance of the role TIRF can play in assisting in the teaching of English as a means of international communication.