Jordan is situated in the Middle East between Israel and Iraq and northwest of Saudi Arabia. Jordan has served as a connection between Asia, Africa, and Europe as a place of trade and communications. Due to its prime location, it has been a part of many ancient empires including Babylonian, Assyrian, Sumerian, Roman, Persian, and more. Jordan has remained a part of various Arab and Islamic dynasties since the seventh century with ties to Britain as well. In May 25, 1946 independence was gained from Britain; what was known as the Emirate of Transjordan became the official Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
With Jordan as an important center of trade between many cultures, English was bound to make a connection to and impact on this Middle Eastern country. Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood and spoken among upper and middle classes as well as considered to be the second official language of Jordan. Years after the first implementation of English education and English administration during the British mandate, Jordan now regards the English language with great significance making a huge impact on the education system.
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Jordan has widely progressed in its educational system since the 1920's; education is free and compulsory for attendance through the age of fifteen years old. Education is taught in Arabic, but English is taught with an emphasis on the Grammar Translation Method. Jordanians begin English education at the age of five years old. At the university level, education is taught primarily in English. This emphasis on English at the higher levels of education shows the importance and extent that English is used in society to succeed. Motivation towards English education lies both at the local level to succeed in society and career as well as the desire for international success. Jordan is creating the foundation for other Middle Eastern countries to embrace English to make an imprint on the world.
Tigh, Fall 2015
Tigh, Fall 2015
Quick Facts:
- Jordan is primarily a desert with flourishing mainly due to the Jordan River.
- There are over 8 million Jordanians: 97 percent Muslim, 2 percent Christian, and 1 percent other.
- 84 percent of the population is urban.
- The government is run by a constitutional monarchy with a mixed legal system of civil law and Islamic religious law.
- The Chief of State is King Abdullah II.
- The Head of Government is Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour.
- The monarchy is hereditary, but the prime minister is appointed by the monarch.