English in the Jordanian Context

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The paper explores the status of English in Jordan as reflected in newspaper job advertisements (ads) published in 1985, 1995 and 2005, and English language documents in the educational domain. The study shows a steady increase in the percentage of English ads paralleled with a steady decrease in the percentage of Arabic ads. Further, it reports a significant increase in the percentage of ads that make English proficiency a precondition for employment. The study also shows a change in the jobs demanding English proficiency. The change in the size and headline of English ads over the years appears to be a variable reflecting the growing status of English. In educational documents circa 1969, teaching English was perceived as aiming at the production of a cultured, informed, useful and perceptive citizen. In 2005, English was seen as a means of attaining professional growth by all workers. The study also examines the growing status of English at higher education institutions.