The Role of English in India

This post is in response to the questions asked here

1) At a fundamental level, English for me is a foreign language. However, this cannot deny the fact that it is equally prominent mode of expression, since it almost functions as a second language. Also, being a student of English literature, it functions as a language in use, i.e it is used for all the professional purposes.

2) As a foreign speaker, the basic struggle while acquiring the language is that of pronunciation and accent. In both the cases, native language is likely to interfere. Another struggle during the acquisition process is the traditional method, i.e translation method, of learning employed during the learning process. Because of this method of learning, foreign speakers like me, suffer from fluency issues.

3) For me R.K Singh's ideas about having a neutral approach towards the English language sounded more appealing. In my opinion therefore, while learning the language with a neutral attitude would make it easier for both the teacher and the learner engage themselves in the learning session. Also, it is very important, as R.K Singh puts it, to have a certain flexibility while teaching and learning the language. Again, it is equally important to have a positive and practical attitude towards the language, especially for a foreign learner. Adopting a practical approach towards the language would allow the learner to acquire the language at a much faster pace. The learner would also learn to keep aside the personal biases and prejudices as well as some false assumptions regarding the nature of the language. 

4) In my opinion, as far as English's position in India should be that of the neutral foreign language. Considering the multicultural set up of the nation, English cannot be considered the second language.

5) Being an English literature student, means the language will stay with me till I die! Well, jokes apart, English as a language. is here to stay for me. I know that language and literature are two different fields of study in any language. But then, the fact that, there can't be literature without language is equally true, if not entirely. Of course as a foreign speaker, there are areas where I need to improve, in terms of language. And I'll try my best to do so.

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