Importance of English as a School Language in India
English is the only language Which is known to educated people all over the country and English is an international language too.
Therefore, to have Interstate links and international links on the following matters we need the knowledge of English:
(1) Trade
(2) Social affairs
(3) Administration and Management.,
Importance of Teaching English In India
Whatever argument may be advanced for doing away with the teaching of English, its importance for us cannot be underestimated. For this, the reasons are as follows:
(1) English being an official language administration:
English has been the official language of the country for more than 200 years. It has been declared as the Associate Official Language of the Union for an indefinite period by an Act of Parliament in 1963. As such, it dominates the administrative business at the Centre as well as in the States. All the administrative work is done in English throughout the country.
(2) Being a window on the modern world:
Pandit Nehru has rightly said, "English is our major window on the modern world." English is a window through which we can see the scientific, technological, agricultural and commercial developments taking place in the world. English is the only language through which We have distilled the essence of modern knowledge in all fields of human activity.
(3) Being in education:
English plays an important role in the field of education. It is taught compulsory in most of the States in the country. It is the medium of instruction in public schools, technical, medical, law and other institutions. A large number of English medium schools are coming up. There seems to be a sudden increase in the craze for sue schools. Several State Departments of Education are attempting now to introduce English in the third year of a child's education. Several English Language Teaching Centres and Region Institutes of English have been set up in order to train teachers of English in new methods and- techniques of teaching English...
(4) Being a language of the court:
English still continues to be the language of the j To'urts. So far there is no other suitable language for legal business, not only at the Supreme Court but also at the High Courts and District Courts. Cases are presented and judgements are given in English in all these courts.
(5) Being a language of international trade and industry,:
English dominates the fields of trade and industry in the country. Because most of the work in these fields is carried on | Sin English. Maintenance of accounts, audits and correspondence is done in English.
(6) Being a library language:
English is the key to the store-ho-me of knowledge. Most o: -this knowledge is not yet available in Indian languages. It is in this context that the role o English as a library language becomes important in India. It is the only language through which maximum knowledge can be imparted to students. The Kothari Education Commission has very rightly, stressed that English would play a vital role in higher education as an important library language.
(7) Being a link language:
English is a link language in India; it is the only language that is understood in all states. Though Hindi is our national language, it has not been successful in taking the place of English. In the absence of English, a person from Tamil Nadu is not able to communicate with a person from Haryana.
Apart from being a unifying force within the country, English is our link with the countries of the World. It is only through English 'that we have established social, economic, cultural and political relations with other countries of the world.
(8) In social life:
English plays an important role in the social life of the country. The highly educated and sophisticated section of our society finds it more convenient to talk in English. They write letters in English. Ceremonial like marriages and other parties invitation cards are mostly printed in English. Most of the educated people put their signatures in English.
On the basis of more important aspects, we can conclude that everyone must recognize the importance of English in our national life and educational system. English plays a role of paramount importance in the country's national life as well as educational system. English was of great importance in British India. It is more important today than it used to be in the British period in India.
Special emphasis needs to be laid on the study of English" " -National Policy on Education, 198 Language is an essential part of human life. According to Jes'person, "Language is a set of human habits, the purpose of which is to give expression to thoughts and feelings. At present English medium schools have very flourishing trade all over India. So it becomes necessary the think about its place in the school curriculum for this one must know.
