KARACHI:
English today serves as a bridge to global opportunities, yet many Pakistani university students continue to struggle with spoken English. Despite years of studying the language, their communication often lacks confidence. The root cause lies in our education system, where students are taught grammar-heavy lessons in their first language. This may improve writing but leaves a glaring gap in speaking abilities.
Another factor is social stigma. Students who try to speak English are often ridiculed, which discourages them further. Equally concerning is the widespread belief that English fluency reflects intelligence — a misconception that undermines students’ self-worth. Teachers, who should be role models, sometimes fail to encourage and instead highlight mistakes, making learners even more hesitant.
In today’s digital world, solutions exist. Podcasts, English series on Netflix and online learning platforms provide excellent resources for practice. Teachers must also shift towards communicative teaching — acknowledging student effort, encouraging participation and gradually helping them transition from native language use to English with confidence.
It is high time universities addressed this issue with seriousness. By creating supportive environments and promoting modern teaching methods, we can ensure students develop the communication skills necessary to thrive in a competitive global market.
Laiba Gujjar
Okara
