English for Specific Purposes
Wrld

Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language

in Nepal: Past and Present 

Krishna Bista

Arkansas State University

State University, Arkansas 72467 (USA)

Tel: +1 334 492 0667  

E-mail: Krishna.Bista@smail.asate.edu

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the author reviews the history of English language teaching English as a second or foreign language in schools and colleges in Nepal. Teaching English language and literature in Nepal is of about a half a decade, starting from the mid of twentieth century. English learners in Nepal do not have enough exposure to various techniques of language learning opportunities. Rather, it is exercised in limited form in an academic, technical and public affairs in the nation. The professional educators of English in Nepal mostly rely on traditional approaches of teaching English-lectured method and grammar translation method- owing to large number of students in postsecondary educational institutions. Besides, teaching English depends on several educational factors e.g. classroom, course, teachers, curriculum, need of the society, and cultures in Nepal. Instructors of English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) find it difficult to implement necessary lesson plans in the classroom. From high school to university English classes, educators face a similar challenge both affected by physical and technical facilities. The educational institutions may not have language learning labs, the computers and the Internet use may be limited, enough audio and visuals aids may not be in the class, text books and resources materials may be difficult to find. These situations, furthermore, push instructors to adopt translation method in English language teaching. Students at public and private learning institutions of Nepal may not get an opportunity to learn English from any native English instructors.

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