The national language has become just a tool for communication between people coming from different communities
JAMSHORO: We can’t deny the contribution of the English language in helping us keep pace with international competition. Learning English and being conversant in it is every literate’s person’s priority. Meanwhile, the national language has become just a tool for communication between people coming from different communities. Since English is not the first language for most students in Pakistan, their comprehension is poor and instruction in English results in insufficient understanding of concepts. In turn, our graduates lose competitive edge in the job market. At higher levels, almost all books are either authored by foreigners or by Pakistani authors, but in English. They have to master English rather than translating each word into their native language and then deciphering the text’s meaning.
This goal can be achieved by translating reference books used in higher studies into the national language. In addition, new books should be written in the national language, as well as research papers, articles. Rome was not built in a single day. This venture, therefore, may take a few decades to bear fruit, but it must be initiated as soon as possible. Celebrities, actors, sports stars, political leaders and experts in various fields should influence people’s behaviour by speaking in the national language.
Tayyaba Rafique Makhdoom
Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th, 2015.
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