THE ECONOMY OF LANGUAGE: AN ISSUE IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND
Author: Michael Collins
Classroom Explorations is a forum within Language Bridge Academic Journal for ESL/EFL educators and learners to share personal perspectives, experiences, challenges, and successes. Author Michael Collins is a U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow currently serving in Baku, Azerbaijan and has more than a decade of instructional experience with ESL/EFL learners in the U.S. and abroad. He is passionate about sharing his experiences, to empower other teachers with trending methodology and broaden their horizons with perspectives coming from outside the classroom but applicable inside it.
Abstract: This article explores the intersection of economics and language, applying the principle of diminishing marginal returns to linguistic efficiency. The author examines how the “economy of language” impacts communication, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction. Drawing from economic theories and William Strunk Jr.’s The Elements of Style, the article highlights the value of brevity in effective teaching and communication. Practical applications include optimizing teacher talk time, enhancing student participation, and fostering clearer, more impactful expression. By understanding these principles, educators can refine their teaching strategies and improve language learning outcomes.
Cite: Collins, M. (2025). The Economy of Language: An Issue in the Classroom and Beyond. Language Bridge Academic Journal, 1(1), 35-37. https://doi.org/10.63184/950627