Importance of the English

Language


A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of
sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express
ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by
word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal
communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings
using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of
communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of
ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat
and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A
language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to
create meaning used by a particular group of people.

Language, so far as we know, is something specific to humans, that
is to say it is the basic capacity that distinguishes humans from all
other living beings. Language therefore remains potentially a
communicative medium capable of expressing ideas and concepts as
well as moods, feelings and attitudes.

A set of linguists who based their assumptions of language on
psychology made claims that language is nothing but habit
formation. According to them, language is learnt through use,
through practice. In their view, the more one is exposed to the use
of language, the better one learns.

Written languages use symbols (characters) to build words. The
entire set of words is the languages vocabulary. The ways in which
the words can be meaningfully combined is defined by the
languages syntax and grammar. The actual meaning of words and
combinations of words is defined by the languages semantics.

The latest and the most advanced discoveries and inventions in
science and technology are being made in the universities located in
the United States of America where English language is the means
of scientific discourse.

The historical circumstances of India (having been ruled by the
British for over two centuries) have given the Indians an easy access
to mastering English language, and innumerable opportunities for
advancement in the field of science and technology. Many Indians
have become so skilled in English language and have won many
international awards for creative and comparative literatures during
the last few years. Sometime ago, an Indian author, Arundhati Roy,
won the prestigious booker prize for her book The God of Small
Things. Her book sold lakhs of copies all over the globe.

Over the years, English language has become one of our principal
assets in getting a global leadership for books written by Indian
authors and for films made by Indians in English language. A
famous Indian movie maker Shekhar Kapoors film Elizabeth has
got several nominations for Oscar Awards. It does not require any
further argument to establish the advantage English language has
brought to us at the international level.

English language comes to our aid in our commercial transactions
throughout the globe. English is the language of the latest business
management in the world and Indian proficiency in English has
brought laurels to many Indian business managers. English is a
means not only for international commerce; it has become
increasingly essential for inter-state commerce and communication.

In India, people going from North to South for education or business
mostly communicate in English, which has become a link language.
Keeping this in mind, the Parliament has also recognized English as
an official language in addition to Hindi. All the facts of history and
developments in present day India underline the continued
importance of learning English in addition to vernaculars.

Some of the states of India are witnessing popular increase in public
demand for teaching of English language from the primary classes.
Realizing the importance, recently, the Minister of Indian Railways,
Laloo Prasad Yadav, demands teaching of English language in
schools. The great demand for admission in English medium
schools throughout the country is a testimony to the attraction of
English to the people of India. Many of the leaders, who denounce
English, send their own children to English medium schools. Many
of the schools in the country have English as the sole or additional
medium of instruction.

A language attracts people because of the wealth of literature and
knowledge enshrined in it. English poses no danger to Indian
languages. The Indian languages are vibrant and are developing by
the contributions of great minds using them as their vehicle of
expression. English is available to us as a historical heritage in
addition to our own language. We must make the best use of English
to develop ourselves culturally and materially so that we can
compete with the best in the world of mind and matter. English
language is our window to the world.

English language is one tool to establish our viewpoint. We can
learn from others experience. We can check the theories of
foreigners against our experience. We can reject the untenable and
accept the tenable. We can also propagate our theories among the
international audience and readers.

We can make use of English to promote our worldview and spiritual
heritage throughout the globe. Swami Vivekananda established the
greatness of Indian view of religion at the world conference of
religions in Chicago in 1893. He addressed the gathering in
impressive English. Many spiritual gurus have since converted
thousands of English people to our spirituality by expressing their
thought and ideas in masterful English. English has thus become an
effective means of promoting Indian view of life, and strengthening
our cultural identity in the world.

When William Caxton set up his printing press in London (1477)
the new hybrid language (vernacular English mixed with courtly
French and scholarly Latin) became increasingly standardized, and
by 1611, when the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible
was published, the educated English of London had become the core
of what is now called Standard English. By the time of Johnsons
dictionary (1755) and the American Declaration of Independence
(1776), English was international and recognizable as the language
we use today. The Orthography of English was more or less
established by 1650 and, in England in particular, a form of standard
educated speech, known as Received Pronunciation (RP) spread
from the major public schools in the 19th century. This accent was
adopted in the early 20th century by the British Broadcasting
Corporation (BBC) for its announcers and readers, and is variously
known as RP, BBC English, Oxford English, and the Kings or
Queens English.

Generally, Standard English today does not depend on accent but
rather on shared educational experience, mainly of the printed
language. Present-day English is an immensely varied language,
having absorbed material from many other tongues. It is spoken by
more than 300 million native speakers, and between 400 and 800
million foreign users. It is the official language of air transport and
shipping; the leading language of science, technology, computers,
and commerce; and a major medium of education, publishing, and
international negotiation. For this reason, scholars frequently refer
to its latest phase as World English.





INTRODUCTION

Language is the proper and systematic way of
communication between individuals. It is the tool,
with which he conducts his business in the society. It is
a vehicle, by which different subject matters are
transmitted. A person must know something of the
structure of his language, its position in the world and
its relation to other tongues. A language lives in a
society so long as people speak it and use it as their
native tongue. A language is important because the
people who speak it are important politically,
socially, commercially, economically and culturally.
Importance of English language is doubtlessly great. It
is spoken by more than Three-hundred-forty (340)
million people as a first language in United Kingdom
and the United States. The better the focus on
language the more civilized people become. Every
language represents a complete different background
of people, culture, ethnicity or region. Similarly English
language has progressed to such an extent that it is
the most widely understood language in the world
with French as the runner up. English is widely used
as an international language throughout the world. It
is one of the official languages, even in most of the
countries of the third world. It is also used for
international communication. English is the highly
developed language which has the ability to express
ideas and it is the means of revelation of modern
civilization.

Importance of English language is due to its
international use. It is a fact that a vast knowledge
of the universe has been demonstrated in this
language. For the achievement of that knowledge, it is
essential to understand this international language.
We may assume that it shares with the other highly
developed languages of Europe the ability to express
the multiplicity of ideas and the refinement of
thoughts that demand expression in our modern
civilization. In this modern age when electronic media
has widely spread all over the world, it is necessary to
have the knowledge of this language because it is the
medium of communication and a person, lacking the
knowledge of this language cant get awareness of the
universal knowledge. As it is obvious that the universal
exploration is mostly revealed in this language, so its
worth cant be descended.
It is the age of scientific advancement and mechanical
approach, the subject matter of which is
demonstrated in English language, so it is an essential
necessity of the people to learn this language. English
has proved itself, as a torch-bearing to the nations of
the third world. It is contemplated as the means of
ascending knowledge.
On the other hand, English has been the part of our
nations history from the beginning .Clearly we cannot
deny its importance in our life. Over the years, English
language has become one of our principal assets in
getting a global leadership. English language is one
tool to establish our viewpoint. We can learn from
others experience. We can check the theories of
foreigners against our experience. We can reject the
untenable and accept the tenable. We can also
propagate our theories among the international
audience and readers. We can make use of English to
promote our worldview and spiritual heritage
throughout the globe. Yes, other languages are
important too, but not for the same reasons as English
are important. English is important because it is,
maybe, the only language that truly links the whole
world together. If not for English, the whole world
may not be as united as it is today. The other
languages may be important for their local values and
culture.
ENGLISH AND SUBCONTINENT:
British came in sub-continent for trade but ultimately
invaded it. Muslims opposed them but Hindus
favoured them. Hindus got the English education
whereas Muslims due to hatred feelings for British did
not learn English. Hindus took benefit of it and came
closer to the British due to convenience in
communication. It was also clear in history that
ignoring the leading language would prove harmful to
us so it is now.


SIR SYED AND ENGLISH:
Leaders like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a vital role
for the development of English in subcontinent
especially for Muslims. He emphasized on the
importance of learning English language to have
better communication with the British because they
were the ruling nation. He published bi-lingual
newspaper in English and Urdu and also made
arrangements for Muslims to get scientific knowledge
in English. That was the time when English language
started spreading in sub-continent and grew its roots
stronger and stronger. Sir Syed never emphasized on
turning culture and changing norms of our society but
simply said that learning English would prove
beneficial. This was right afterwards.
DISCUSSION
Significance of English: No one can deny the
importance of English in modern world. Its
importance is not confined to professionals and
students solely but it is also very important for
common people even house wives. It is due to
the great importance of this international
language that our government make it
compulsory subject in the course of students.
Besides its academic importance a person is
characterized as illiterate who cant speak
English well. English is the international
language as one can find people who understand
that language in all parts of the world. It is also
the language of internet and international
media. Although Urdu is the official language of
Pakistan but English is the language which is
formally used in all private and government
officials. Skill of English language helps students
in finding a high quality job. In business life the
most important common language is obviously
English. In addition to this, especially high-
quality jobs need good understanding ability and
speaking skills in English. Therefore companies
can easily open out to other countries and these
companies generally employee graduates whose
English is fluent and orderly. For example, a
student, who is graduated from a university
which takes English as a major language will find
a better and high-quality job than other students
who dont know English adequately. In other
words, the student who knows English will be
more efficient in his job because he can use the
information from foreign sources and web sites.
He can prepare his assignments and tasks with
the help of this information. In addition many
high quality jobs are related with international
communication and world wide data sharing.
People working in an international company
have to know English in order to communicate
with foreign workers. English is the International
Language and is one of the most popular and
most spoken in the technology world. The latest
and the most advanced discoveries and
inventions in science and technology are being
made in the universities located in the United
States of America where English language is the
means of scientific discourse. We need to know
English language in order to study any science
subject or any computer language. It is said that
China is developing its own resources in the
fields of science and technology without learning
any foreign language including English. But
foreign countries put blame on it that all such
formulas had been stolen by it and these are not
Chinas own inventions. So without
understanding the foreign science that is in
English language, China prefers to copy out the
things. But now we can see that china is also
trying to learn English as a secondary language
in its country. For many journalists today, English
is the main language used for newspapers or
magazines, radio, television or the internet. A
journalist has to take interviews from foreign
leaders on their visit to Pakistan or if that
journalist has to take interviews from them by
going abroad himself; for this purpose, English is
a great necessity to be known by journalists.
Radio has become quite famous among
youngsters. They used to listen to channels that
are entertaining as well as educating mediums.
FM 91 and FM 89 are well known radio channels
in Pakistan which allow many of their programs
to be on air in English. So, radio and TV channels
welcome preferably those people, who can write
and speak English very well. It is quite clear that
English has become a necessity today. We need
it in different fields of life. Thats why it has
become easier to learn more than ever before
with the availability of many sources to help
people learn very easily. Such as the Internet,
books and educational institutes which spread
around the world. DISADVANTAGES OF NOT
HAVING ENGLISH IN SOCIETY:


We belong to a developing country and it is
the fact that the ruling language is always of
developed countries.so for the development and
progress in every field of world we must follow the
ruling language.in the absence of this thinking; we can
never explore this world truly. This is the reason that
societies where the modern language is not being
followed remains cut off from the progressing world.
Similarly the person having no command on English
language faces too many problems at every step of his
life. For example at school level a student cannot
compete with his fellow students who are well in
English or doing O'level and A'level. Same is the case
in colleges and universities where most of the work
you have to do or submit is in English. And in an
environment like this only those can excel who have
better skills in English Language. The story does not
end here the real problem starts from here when you
are in field and about to find out a job. In a society like
ours where the language English is being treated as a
special language since last few decades.
Even our personality evaluation totally depends on
our listening, writing and spoken English skills, the
better we are the more we excel. So we can conclude
that job opportunities are for those who are better in
all these aspects. So, your general knowledge and
practical skills are not as much important as your
command over English. Same is the case with abroad
settled non-English people who find great difficulty in
living and communicating there. so, to avoid all these
problems people from the very beginning are trying to
admit their children in English medium schools where
they pay heavy fees just to excel in this standard. That
is why the poor people are still very far away from this
language in our society and facing so many problems
to move in society.
All advanced knowledge in science, technology and
medicine is available in English. The results of the
latest researches come to India through the medium
of English. If we give up English, we will lag behind in
the higher fields of study. Today the world has
become one family.
Comparison with other countries
INDIA
English is important for a number of reasons in a
country like India because it is a land of diversity.
Different people speak different languages. A person
of Tamil Nadu does not speak Hindi. So he can't
understand Hindi of a person from North India.
However he can understand in English.
So English is a link language. Different people can
communicate with one another with the help of
English. Secondly, all advanced knowledge in science,
technology and medicine is available in English. The
results of the latest researches come to India through
the medium of English. If we give up English, we will
lag behind in the higher fields of study. Today the
world has become one family.
It is all due to English. English is an international
language. English is the language of the Constitution,
the Supreme Court, the High Courts and official
departments. English is now firmly rooted in the soil of
India. It has become a part of Indian life. Thus English
has great importance for the integrity of India. It has
to be second language in our country for the better
development of the country.
As per the data published by the 2011 census India has
managed to achieve an effective literacy rate of 74.04
per cent in 2011. In the 2001 census the country's
literacy rate stood at 64.8 percent.
CHINA
Due to its increasing population, the People Republic
of China is currently an important provider of labour
force, as well as technology. The need for
international acceptance is not so easy to satisfy; this
is the main reason why English is one of the most
important foreign languages taught in China. The
estimation is that the Chinese willing to learn English
are more numerous than the actual English native
speakers. This is why the chance of teaching English in
China constitutes a viable option for many teachers.
Jobs in China have begun to flourish particularly since
business English has become a generally accepted
language and, thus, a language needed in
international transactions. The opportunity to teach
English in China, thus, sounds more likable to latest
alumnae.

Literacy rate defined as knowledge of 1,500 Chinese
characters in rural locations and 2,000 characters in
urban areas.
Before the Communist party took power in 1949,
about 80% of Chinas population was illiterate.
Enrollment rate was below 20% for elementary school
and about 6% of junior secondary school.
By 2008, adult illiteracy rate in China dropped to only
3.58%. Elementary school and junior secondary school
enrollment jumped to 99.5% and 98.5% respectively.
Today, Chinese youth (15-24 years) have a 99%
literacy rate.
[UNICEF, 2004-2008 data]
BANGLADESH
On the one hand English language is dominantly
present in every side of our national life while on the
other hand in Banglas constitution it is clearly
declared that the language of the country is Bangla. In
fact, nothing is said about the status of English
language in Banglas constitution. On one hand,
economic activities in the private companies are
carried out in English while there is a government law
(Bangla Procholon ain1987) that government offices
must use Bangla in their official works. So from the
government point of view Bangla is the national-
official language of Bangladesh and English is the most
important foreign language. But in reality English is
the second language of the country and in many
places English is more important than Bangla in
Bangladesh.
Literacy Situation
At National level
5 years and over
57.53
Sub division-Rural
5 years and over
Can write a letter for communication (Literate) 54.19
Sub division-Urban
5 years and over
Can write a letter for communication (Literate) 68.40
Conclusion:-
Pakistan got independent 64 years ago but
people are still dependent on their so called norms
which are a great obstacle in the progress of every
field. Our system of society has forced the living of
here to stay in darkness of illiteracy.
Pakistans educational system especially in
governmental sector focuses on grammar (tenses,
parts of speech, pair of words etc.) from 3 or 4
standard till masters degree. Though all above
mentioned syllabus is very important but we should
also improve our vocabulary as well as accent. Limited
vocabulary may devaluate a person a many places and
our even highly qualified students cant get what
English people say.
Now days, English makes a personality strong although
it becomes an essential part in every field of life. We
take an example of our film industry where they even
cant understand a single word moreover cant
pronounce a single word in a proper way like meera
even know the meaning of paparazzi photographers.
Once she said government appointed her as an
ambassador of Canada but she even dont know
Canada never have an ambassador from showbiz. It
shows that our studies system is not up to mark and
we dont know the history as well as current status of
developed countries.
Another issue was highlighted by Pakistani media that
Aitzaz Ahsan (senior lawyer of Supreme Court)
submitted a petition in Supreme Court in which he did
a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes which shows
the standard of English language in Pakistan even at
this high level. Many sectors of Pakistan for Instance
business class, media are trying to improve their
standard to qualify for job

Solution is always better than a conclusion:-
We should remove the remedies rather than criticize
them.
The matter of fact is we should have to improve our
spoken skills.
We should improve our school system,
English language must be compulsory in every
school.
We must improve our living standard because
children spend 12 to 14 hours at their home.
Focusing on child education at the grass root level
will help more effectively.
Adopt English as a language but not English culture
as a trait.
Why Learn English: 10 Reasons to Learn
English
There are many reasons to learn English, but because it
is one of the most difficult languages to learn it is
important to focus on exactly why it is you want to learn
English. Here we will look at ten great reasons why
English is so important. Post this list somewhere you can
see it and it will motivate you to keep going even when
you are tired of trying to figure out which witch is which!


1. English is the most commonly used language among
foreign language speakers. Throughout the world,
when people with different languages come together
they commonly use English to communicate.

2. Why learn English when it is so difficult? Well,
knowing English will make you bilingual and more
employable in every country in the world.

3. Despite China, the United States is still a leader in
technical innovation and economic development.
English is used in the United States and in each of
these fields.

4. English is commonly spoken throughout much of the
world due to Great Britians expansion during the
colonial age. People in Australia, New Zealand,
Canada, parts of Africa, India, and many smaller
island nations speak English. English is the
commonly adopted second language in Germany,
Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Speaking English opens these countries and cultures
up to you.

5. Another reason why English is so important is that it
is the language of science. To excel in science you
need to know English.

6. English is based on an alphabet and, compared to
Chinese, it can be learned fairly quickly.

7. English is also the language of the Film Industry and
English means you no longer have to rely on
subtitles.

8. In the United States, speaking English immediately
opens up opportunities regardless of your ethnicity,
color, or background.

9. Learn English and you can then teach your children
English -- or if they are already learning, you can
now communicate with them in English.

10. English speakers in the United States earn more
money than non-English speakers. Learning English
will open your job prospects and increase your
standard of living.


Conclusion

A language attracts people due to the wealth of literature and knowledge
enshrined in it. People travel within the Country and Abroad for different
purposes e.g. Education, Business and Tourism, etc., need a common language to
communicate with each other. English alone serves all these purposes and has got
answer to every question up her sleeve. So, the bottom line is if anybody wants to
compete and excel in this world, has to be really good at English language
because it is our window to the world.