English is one of the most important global languages. The language has contributed significantly in narrowing the gap between the geographical boundaries. English is the primary language of not only countries actively touched by British imperialism, but also many business and cultural spheres dominated by those countries.
English is the language best suited for maintaining international unity. If we want to crush the provincial, communal and separatist tendencies of our people, we must continue to study it. English is the most important means of national integration when terrorism raising its ugly head in different parts of the country. We must study English or perish.
For proper mental development it is essential that we study the best literature. If we want to shed the feeling of false superiority and to broaden our minds, we must be ever-ready to take the best from others.
The benefits of learning English can be seen in the economic, social and political life of the people of every country. India has its own uniqueness in accepting the English language and giving its position for the development of the country.
India has undertaken the gigantic task of rapidly developing its economy, social status to make itself a powerful country. Under such conditions, the selection of language to be studied by the youth of the country becomes very significant.
English is the store-house of scientific knowledge. Hence, its study is of great importance for a developing country like India. India’s foreign policy is the focus of attention of all the countries of the world. The whole of the world expects to quench its thirst for peace with this policy. India wants to be friendly with all countries. This is the language which enjoys the status of an International language.
In the UNO, the discussions are carried on in this language. In fact, the majority of the countries of the world conduct their business in this language. Now, the literatures of other counties and of our own different languages can be easily obtained in English.
In our own languages, modern up-to-date literature is not available. This makes it essential that our young men continue to learn English. English is also essential in the field of education.
In many countries, children are taught and encouraged to learn English as a second language. Even in countries where it is not an official language, such as Netherlands or Sweden, for students pursuing science and engineering many syllabi are written in English.
A 2013 report by Aspiring Minds, India’s ‘leading employability Solutions Company’ concludes that 47 per cent of graduates are not employable in any sector of the knowledge economy, given their English language and cognitive skills. The problem is even worse for students from smaller towns and cities.
English is integral for communication between States, the Central Government and foreign companies. It would be imprudent not to teach the modern lingua franca but there is no reason to believe that people could not be fluent if they learn it from their early years onwards as a second language. That is what is done in so many other nations like Sweden, Germany, Japan, Thailand, Greece, Finland, Italy and Egypt, etc.
(Dr Das is a lecturer in English, who can be mailed at Subhashree.das1201@gmail.com )