ROLE OF ENGLISH IN PRESENT NATIONAL CONTEXT
Language is an essential element in the culture of any
society. We live in a community and our living in a community is made
meaningful mainly by the language
English played a very major role in our fight for freedom.
As India is a land of many languages, the unification of freedom fighters for
national cause, seemed to be remote. But again English only played the role of
unifying the freedom fighters from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. When we weigh the
benefit between what English got from India and what India got from 5 English,
and it is strongly felt that India is benefited more from English. And it is
not an exaggeration to say India is found bondage to English
English is a language of the court in India. & used for
international trade and industry.English plays a very major role in our
educational system. It is taught as a compulsory subject in almost all the
states in the country. It is the medium of instruction in technical, medical
and law colleges. All PG courses are done through English only.
English is the most important language in the country‟s
national life and educational system. The contribution of English in the growth
of knowledge is so great that we are
able to live up to the international standards in these fields. English has
brought home to us the different developments in the international scene and
helped us in properly understanding the world situations. The importance of
English in India is felt stronger today than it was during the ruling of the
British
English as
a National Link Language.
India, being a land of many languages, requires a common
language for communication between people of different states. India, a
democratic country, should have a congenial relationship between the centre and
the states for the development of the country. There is no other Indian
Language that can solve this problem. So, we need English to fill this gap.
Even some states have made their efforts to introduce their languages as
official language but they could not succeed in their attempt. And we have been
following English as Official Language in our country for more than 150 years.
English has been serving as a link language both in
international level and national level. In international level English is a
tool for our contact with the outside world.The imposition of Hindi as the only
official language was vehemently opposed by many states. Many demonstrations
had prompted the Parliament to enact in 1963, the Official Languages Act, 1963,
providing English to be used for an indefinite period & English has become an Associate Official Language for inter-state
communication and communication between the States and the Centre
English as
an International Link Language
English has become a world language with its spread,
defeating all geographical boundaries. Almost all known countries adopted
English as one of the major languages for instructions in schools and colleges.
News items all around the world are printed in English. 50%
of the world‟s newspapers, over 50% of the world‟s scientific and technical
periodicals and more than 60% of the world‟s radio stations use English as
medium of communication. This alone can prove that English is a world language.
There is no language that can come closer to the popularity that English
enjoys.
English plays a vital role in international relations. More
than 50% of the people of the world prefer to speak in English & it helps
in establishing international relations. And it is the source of better
understanding among different nations of the world.
Because of this great popularity and worldwide distribution,
English has the pre-eminent claim to be the medium of international
communication. In fact, English has ceased to be the language of its native
speakers alone as it has already attained the stature of a world language. So,
there is no doubt about the importance of English in world affairs and it will
be to our own advantage if we continue to learn English as a second language
English as
a Library Language
Kothari Commission (1964-66) had recommended English to be
used as Library Language.Higher Education in India is possible only through
English, as all worthy reference books are in English. Books on Science and
Technology are also available in English. Other countries may afford to
translate these books into their vernacular or national language, but India
cannot, with numerous languages present.
When we consider English as a library language, we expect
the learners just to understand the subject matter contained in library books.
India, being a progressive country, 10 should eye on its progress in Science
and Technology. So, the young generation of India should keep themselves
abreast of the latest developments in the field of science and technology, and
for this, our students will have to acquire a reasonable amount of proficiency
in English.
English is a rich store house of knowledge. Any important
incident or findings are translated into English. Hence, it is rightly said,
“Whatever the future of English may be in India, one thing is certain. In
India, as in other countries, English will maintain-quite probably increase-its
immense usefulness as a library language.
