INTRODUCTION

The Aga Khan University, Centre of English Language is holding its 4th International Seminar from June 9 to 10, 2007. The objective of the Seminar 2007 is to address issues related to the critical role of English language in empowerment. Empowerment plays a pivotal role in societies marked by socio-economic inequalities that trigger stratification of opportunities in education and employment. The issue of empowerment becomes increasingly significant in developing countries which are striving for better socio-economic levels.

In the wake of increasing globalisation and internationalisation, communication, and education across the borders, English language is the key towards better opportunities for employment, and is a dominant factor in upward mobility. English, a global language, has the highest instrumental value to empower people in their educational aspirations and in the employment market. This globalisation of English language has resulted in remarkable changes in the patterns of communication, which poses some direct and indirect challenges to the teaching of English as both a second and a foreign language in developing countries. English language teachers need to better equip themselves to meet these challenges in the field of education and for employment, which will have a reciprocal effect not only on the recipients, but also on the providers.

This seminar offers an excellent platform to English language teachers, trainers and professionals from multiple disciplinary backgrounds, policy makers, and industry/ organisations representatives to share their reflections, experiences, research, and to establish links with their counterpart institutions and individuals in Pakistan and abroad. The seminar includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations on both theory and practice in English language teaching/ learning and the issues involved. The seminar expects to have eminent national as well as international speakers from Asia and UK.