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What's
ESUJ?
The
English-Speaking Union of Japan (ESUJ) is an independent,
non-profit, non-political organization established in October
1998 for the principal purpose of promoting international
mutual understanding and friendship among nations through
the use of the English language. We now have several activities
such as an annual University Debating Competition, English
programmes, lectures, and receptions. We are also interested
in conveying information about Japan to the rest of the world
through English.
The
English-Speaking Union (ESU) is also an international organization.
ESU was founded in 1918 in Britain. Since then, over 40 ESUs
have been founded throughout the world. The International
Council has its headquarters in Dartmouth House in London,
and is composed of all the ESUs around the world. Through
the International Council, all ESUs maintain a close lateral
relationship with each other.
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There
are ESUs in;
Argentina
Armenia Australia Austria Belgium
Bermuda Bhutan Brazil Bulgaria
Canada
China Denmark England Estonia Finland
France Georgia Germany
Hungary
India Israel Japan
Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Malaysia
Mauritius Morocco
Nepal
New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan
Poland Portugal Romania Russia
Scotland
Sierra Leone Sri Lanka Thailand USA
Wales Yugoslavia
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The
history of The English-Speaking Union
The English-Speaking Union was founded in 1918 in Britain
for the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship among
countries whose mother tongue was English. Two years later
it was also established in the United States. Following that,
as the former countries of the British Commonwealth attained
their independence they founded their own independent ESUs.
Later, non-English-speaking countries of Europe such as Germany
and France also organized their own ESUs for the promotion
of international understanding through the use of English.
The movement continued to grow, until today there are over
40 English-Speaking Unions throughout the world. The English-Speaking
Unions of respective countries make their own programmes according
to the circumstances and needs of the members. Activities
include charitable educational events for students such as
debate competitions, speech contests and drama contests; the
sending of English teachers to Britain; lecture meetings on
current international affairs; the provision of scholarships
for young musicians and artists; and seminars with the purpose
of encouraging friendship among the member s and improving
their English ability. Through the network of the International
Council, exchange programmes and other activities are also
undertaken among groups of neighboring ESUs in a region.
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