덴마크 영어 교육 개혁과 예스퍼슨

Abstract

In this paper I first emphasize that English cannot be a first or second language in Korea. For Koreans learning English in Korea, English can only be a foreign language. Given this, the proper role model for our English education should be such countries where English is treated as a foreign language and still most of the people have basic communicative competence in English. Denmark is such an example. Denmark about 100 years ago, however, had most of the problems that Korea now has with respect to English education. It was Otto Jespersen that reformed foreign language teaching in this country in such a way that Denmark is currently one of the best English-speaking nations in the world. This paper deals with the process of the reform of English education in Denmark and Otto Jespersen's influence on it. I compare the past and present of English education in Denmark. Then I summarize the process of the reform of English education in this country. After that I look into Jespersen's role in the process and illustrate Jespersen's key tenets in the reform of foreign language teaching. Finally, modeling on Denmarks case, 1 discuss what are most urgently needed for the reform of our own English education.