The Impact of the Economical – Technological Development in Sudanese Labor Market and English Language Teaching ELT

Abstract

This study aims to shade the light on the impact of the recent economic technological development on the Sudanese labor market and English language teaching (ELT) Traditionally it is essential for language planners and course materials designers to consider the importance of the sociopolitical factors to syllabus and course materialsdesign. However, the unprecedented economical – technological development in the Sudanese labor market has superseded thesociopolitical factors, particularly after the oil exploration and production in 2005 that led to sweepingreformations in the language policy. More specifically, course materials designers are adhered to produce materials that can work concurrently and effectively to meet the needs of the current situation. Although the English language status in Sudanhas fluctuated positively and negatively throughout the successive political regimes, it still maintains neutralpopular attitude and social prestige. Although the educational language policy of Arabicization that has stated in the 70s has weakened the standard of English language and the students competence, the status of English kept neutral in the society. Furthermore, the higher education institutions are rapidly undergone structural and administrative change due to political factors. Consequently, course materials designers have to account all these variables when producing course materials to equip the students with the current labor market needs.