"Adventures are always the best ways to learn."

Yet, each adventure comes with consequences. And there always be lessons to learn...

This is Şipi. She is an ordinary sheep having a boring life. But there is something different about her that no one ever knows...

She desires to discover herself and take an adventure to do something new.  

But she has to be prepared to take the consequences. Rumors say the 4 golden rules to follow for this adventure:

1. Find the answers to 12 queries

2. Take the advice of 12 different wise animals to answer the queries

3. Prepare yourself. The journey will be long and tough!  But never forget: "Where there is darkness, there is always light!"

4. Discover yourself and be aware of your own potential...

Şipi sets out for the first destination of her adventure. She only has the 4 golden rules with her but nothing. 

Hello, my dear! I am Aslan, the wise lion. And I know why you are here. We are all ready to help you in your journey. And I am here to give you the knowledge you need. Open your ears and listen to me...

I'm all ears, master. 

Let's talk about English, the language that one in three of the world’s population is now capable of communicating to a useful level. Especially in the early period of the twenty-first century, English language use has become common. And do not forget the pidgin and creole language users who acquire the English language because of historical, social, or economic reasons. But today the number of L2 speakers are outweigh the number of L1 speakers of English. 

Oh dear, let me explain it. Even though it is hard to make a certain categorization among the speakers of English, we can say that there are speakers of English as a native language (the UK, the USA, Canada), English as a second language (India, Nigeria), and English as a foreign language (Turkey, China). It means there are almost 2 billion English speakers all around the world. 

Could you please tell me who speaks English today, master? Even we are communicating in English and I realize I have never thought of the reason behind it.

Now, follow the path alongside the waterfall over there. You will meet quadruplet dogs there. They are a bit naughty, yet they will guide you. 

You can call me wise. My brothers are a bit... You know they are foolish. So, ask what you want...

Hi there! You must be the quadruplet dogs. 

Yes, you must be Şipi, huh?

Yes, I am. It is pleasure to meet you all. 

Gosh! He is starting again!

OK, sir. No, I've never heard of it. 

Don't listen to what he says Şipi, he is talking nonsense. Now listen to me. Have you ever heard the concept "ENL"? 

"ENL" means English as a native language. It means that if you were born in a place where English is the first and the formal language, you are a native speaker of English.  

And ESL means English as a second language. If English is spoken widely in your country and it is colonized by English, it means English is spoken as a second language. Just like India, Nigeria, and Singapore. 

EFL means English as a foreign language. If English serves no purpose in your country, English is considered as a foreign language. Just like Türkiye :) You already have your own language, so you don't need English to survive in Türkiye. 

Thank you all for your help! I think it is time for me to leave! Take care!

Not at all! Wish you luck!

You have finally arrived, mate! I've been waiting for you. You have learned the basics, and it is now time to talk about the spread of English. 

Let's start with the influential model of Kachru. He explains everything clearly. Look at the three circles of English: 

Inner (ENL countries)

Outer (ESL countries)

Expanding (EFL countries)

That's all from me, mate. Now, go to the island over there. A long and tough journey is about to begin. My dear friend Pablo the Bear is waiting for you. An advice: Do not forget to take your jacket!

He was right, it is incredibly cold!

Şipi sets out to meet the bear, unaware of what is to come... 

Welcome my friend. Do not forget: Everything has a price. I'm here all alone. And I'm paying the price by living there because that's what I have to do. We are all serving the same thing. 'That thing' is what you will find at the end of your journey. Your determination will decide if you will be able to find it or not. But my job is to guide the ones just like you. The ones who search for something to find "that thing"...

Oh, finally, thank God! I thought I will never be able to find you. Here you are Pablo, I found you!

This is far beyond my understanding, yet I'm becoming aware of it. I'm all ears, Pablo...

Then, let's set to work

We can see that English has become a symbol of globalization, and diversification. With the statements of the major newspapers and magazines, English's power has been declared. English is on the menu, signs, and advertisements, And also, don't forget the affects of TV shows reaching millions of global audiences. 

No matter if English is your mother tongue or second language, you may have mixed attitudes against this language. These feelings are quite normal. Because this language is always in the news, and it is nearer language to be a global language. 

Pablo, what is a global language?

Oh, you are right. I should have explained it before. Shortly, it is the language achieving a global status and special role in every country.