Purdue News

March 23, 2004

Language trend leads Americans to more global jobs

Americans who can't find jobs at home should consider their global options, says a Purdue University expert in English language and linguistics.

"The job opportunities overseas are endless for people who speak American-English," says Margie Berns, professor of English language and linguistics. "The rest of the world wants to learn the version of English spoken in this country, and just about anybody with a master's degree in English or teaching experience can find a job somewhere."

For example, Berns is seeing more liberal arts students take jobs in Europe or Asia that include teaching English in classrooms at locations like businesses or orphanages, as well as at language schools.

In the last five years, the growing global trend has been to learn American-English, rather than British-English, Berns says. American-English is in high demand for careers such as banking, catering and any field that is technology driven, she says.

"American-English represents modernization, progress and globalization," says Berns, who is director of Purdue's English as a Second Language Program. "The language also is seen as more relaxed and casual. You also can attribute the trend to Hollywood. The rest of the world is being exposed to English as spoken by more Americans as more of our television shows are syndicated, and through other media exposure, including the Internet and pop music."

Berns also can talk about the consequences of international companies that are using American-English as their corporate language even though their employees' usage is limited.

CONTACT: Berns, (765) 494-3769, berns@purdue.edu