Basic English

Abstract

MR. CHURCHILL announced in the House of Commons on March 9 that the Committee of Ministers on Basic English has submitted a report which has been approved in principle by the Government. So far as concerns the use of Basic English as an auxiliary international language, the Government is impressed with the great advantages which would ensue from its development, not in substitution for established literary languages, but as a supplement thereto, and is taking steps to develop its use as an auxiliary international and administrative language. The British Council will include the teaching of Basic English in addition to its more general activities in promoting the teaching of English for its own sake. Diplomatic and commercial representatives in foreign countries will be asked to do all they can to encourage the spread of Basic English as an auxiliary language. It is also intended to arrange for the translation into Basic English of a wider range than is at present available of literature, scientific, technical and general, both from ordinary English and from foreign languages, and also to increase the supply of manuals of instruction in Basic English. Some Colonial Governments will be invited to issue handbooks in Basic English for Colonial peoples on agriculture, hygiene, etc., and to use it in some administrative instructions. The British Broadcasting Corporation has been asked to consider the use and teaching of Basic English in appropriate oversea programmes. Primary responsibility for questions affecting Basic English and for giving effect to the recommendations of the Committee of Ministers will rest with the Foreign Office through the British Council.