The writer is a Sultan of Oman Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and a Professor at the University of London. He is author of The Mughals and the Islamic Dynasties of India, Iran and Central Asia, 1206-1925
Some have been students, who have come to work with me for a PhD or DPhil, in the universities of London or Oxford. Some have been scholars already in post in Pakistan’s universities, who have been funded by the excellent Higher Education Commission (HEC) scheme, which enables university staff to develop their research skills.
A few already have PhDs, but many do not; they come for periods of three, six or 12 months. Others, I have encountered as the international external examiner of their PhD dissertation submitted to a Pakistan university.
I regret to say that with a few honourable exceptions, the English of this PhD work is poor, and on occasion, unacceptable.
There will be sentences without main verbs; with poor punctuation; sentences which contradict the meaning of what has gone before; words incorrectly used; a general failure to understand the use of the definite and indefinite article; and a general inability to carry an idea from sentence to sentence through a paragraph.
The outcome is language through which meaning can often only hazily be discerned. Sometimes it cannot be discerned at all.
The object of a PhD dissertation is for the candidate to be able to demonstrate that he/she commands a field or sub-field of knowledge and is able, by doing research in primary sources, to contribute to that field with new ideas and/or new facts.
These contributions will generally be made in the framework of an argument that creates an overall context in which these contributions can be understood. Command of English and its niceties is essential to be able to achieve this end.
If the student cannot use language to express meaning clearly, the exercise is meaningless.
When I have remonstrated with students about the quality of their English, one response has been of surprise. “But Sir,” they say, “how could this be? I was taught at school and at university in English and I teach in English myself.”
They do not even know that there is a problem. In this case, I really do wonder what their students actually understand.
It would appear that weakness in English has become a self-reinforcing process. If my history PhDs are representative of Pakistan’s intelligentsia, this weakness must surely undermine the quality of intellectual discourse and public debate carried out in that language.
What should be done to address this problem? First, the HEC might like to consider making a good standard in English, a requirement for obtaining a post in a university History department.
An overall score of seven in IELTS (International English Language Testing System), which is the standard which many English universities require for PhD entry, would be a starting point, although it is not a perfect standard as some of my experiences have revealed.
Second, English language support units might be established in all universities to enable staff and students to reach a real working standard in the language.
Thirdly, those administering postgraduate degrees must be willing to take examiners’ criticism of English standards seriously. When examining, I ask what standards I should apply. The response is usually “those of your university”.
When I do so, I find on occasion that on grounds of English alone, the student should fail. However, my voice is just one of several. I have a strong suspicion that I am ignored. While this is the case, standards will not improve.
I am full of sympathy for those who have to write a major piece of work in what may be their second language. If I had to do this in Urdu, I would not do well. On the other hand, colonialism has left Pakistan with the legacy of English, which presents both difficulties and opportunities.
As Pakistan has decided to adopt English in its higher education system, more needs to be done to make sure that teachers and students are fully equipped to make use of the opportunities English offers.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2013.
COMMENTS (29)
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http://dawn.com/2013/03/13/language-and-thinking/
Any language is an important part, if not the most important part of the culture of the nation, where it is the mother tongue. Languages bring out the values of the nation, brings out joy, sadness, humor, nuances, color, how people understand each other, how they wish to understand. It is not maths, language is art, science, poetry, prose, all in one. Quite obviously English to an Englishman is very different than English to say a Pakistani, or a Chinese. This is why English has so many accents, so many official different spellings. That is also why the English language has so many foreign words. Wherever the English went the lamb was sure to go!!!.
One common problem Pakistani's face is that they cannot accept others criticizing them. The real reason as mentioned above by one reader is that English is not Pakistan's mother tongue. Then there is the problem with English language itself, it is a wonderful language spoken worldwide, but quite irrational, where spellings are concerned, there are languages like Gujrati where the spellings are the same as the way the word is pronounced. That is where the magic lies. That is why the rules of the game are written by the English for the English by the English. We former subjects of the Raj simply are in awe, of the English, and will continue to be for a very long time. The sun may have set in the British Empire, but the sun has never set in the English speaking countries!!. 360 degrees around the world English is spoken, written, understood. That is indeed something to think about.
I am currently in UK student of Electronics. I have this very same problem. i wonder why have i to write it in some glorifying english fashion elsewise i will be studying literrature or i have to write some fiction story to impress otheres. My supervisor is more concerned about my english than my research work. Now a days i have to concentrate more on writing than my original work. I dont see language more than mords to strengthen my research work arguments. Between i know i have some pathetic writing skills :P
P.S. In short english doent make you strong its your ability and work ...so please my nation come out of this truma. For critics i am topper of my filed work so far ...prayers required though for my desertation thnx ... Regards A proud Pakistani :D
If Chinees could get education in their mother language and more advanced than Pakistan, then why we are not let to get education in our mother languages. yes the writer as every well analyzed the barrier of English language in our educational system. Here one gentle man said, that urdu should be preferred as a national language, but my dear it is impossible for any pashtun, baloch or sindhi to speak Urdu properly. rather then Urdu, it will be more comfortable for me to speak in English.
The author did not only focus on the English language skills of Pakistani students but also on their thought process. I think in both ways (language and the thought process) the author is justified. The author pointed out third main problem with Pakistani students and that is they are not ready to learn. They are averse to a teacher that points out their mistakes. Fourth, the author has also said unequivocally that PhDs produced by Pakistani universities are below (acceptable) standards. Not even one message could focus on these points. Almost all looked at the write-up from the angle of post-colonial prejudice. Prejudice kills analysis.
I expect from the author to write on the (critical) analytical skills of Pakistani students, though I know these skills are poor. Pakistani students generally believe in conspiracy theories and churn out the same in their theses. This is one of the reasons they lack context in their writing. I also think that the author should have commented on the research methodology skills of Pakistani students. Most universities in Pakistan lack those skills to teach and assess. Then, whether or not, Pakistani students can make a proper conclusion. Mostly conclusion is pre-determined and does not flow from discussion which obviously relies on the research methodlogy used.
I expect from the author to keep contributing and pointing out mistakes. The point is, if someone is telling the truth, why to get annoyed; why not to improve.
The author's observations do not surprise me. We need to improve the standard of English in Pakistan if the nation is to compete on the world stage. Like it or not, English is the sole world language and Pakistan is lucky to have had some exposure to it from colonial days. Whatever we may justifiably complain about British rule being harmful for Pakistan's people, we were gifted the English language. This should make educated Pakistani workers more desireable in the global work force. Instead, we have languished due to poor educational standards - not only in English. Pakistan should work to make English the chief language for all educationstarting from the primary level and do away with Urdu. Urdu was imposed on Pakistan anyhow and is of limited value. We need to focus more on English language education and how to improve its standard.
@Rex Minor
That maybe true in Pakistan but not so in most of the World which maybe one of the reasons that Pakistani PHd's are not highly regarded. The reality is that whether your anti American/English if you want to be published in any respected scientific journal your going to have to do so in English - not French, Arabic or German. If you have any doubt then ask a Pakistani professor who teaches science.
I must congratulate Express Tribune on having such a brilliant professor, famous world-wide for his intellectual accomplishments, write for this newspaper. However, Tribune has to undergo make some serious amends in the way it conducts other mundane every-day episodes
why do we have to study history in english?
can't agree more. I went to an english medium army school. I passed each and every english subject by simply cramming the answers to the most important questions of my english books..Now i am a "KAHTA ANGRAIZ". I neither know proper urder nor english. And the irony of the situation is that we even write Urdu in English while texting each other!! There is a lot of competition! We can't afford leisure reading!! Sigh!
English is only one issue - article in Dawn a couple weeks back revealed that only 5% of Pakistani PHD's are considered qualified to do legitimate research which is a clear indication that overall standards need to be significantly upgraded.
In all the countries of SOUTH ASIA wherever ENGLISH is the LANGUAGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION , the basic problems are :
English in not a spoken language of the home.
English by itself is a difficulty language as compared to (SAY) Persian or GERMAN.
It is taught by teachers who themselves are not xperts in QUEEN'S English or even in STANDARD ASIAN ENGLISH.
We have a chalta-hai attitude to language errors.
Students do not converse in ENGLISH among themselves.
The quality of education in general is sloppy , therefore the quality of English is correspondingly poor.
We speak English under the grid of our mother languages or under the influence of regional languages.
The good professor has pointed out a very relevant problem, and I appreciate him for having reproduced his thoughts and opinion at this forum. I've been personally facing this problem that despite considering myself 'OK' at the use and understanding of English language, most of my papers got editorial rejection due to 'not-so-well' English. It is often times depressing and I can related to the idea that often times I don't have any idea my written English is not up to the standards. I agree, in this regard, to the previous comments regarding lack of reading habits. But I also assume that academic and research journals, over the years, probably have adopted a 'certain' style of written language which needs to be achieved before a paper can be accepted for peer review process. In order to reach there, I suggest our universities must offer 'technical writing' courses. Also, HEC should setup various institutes for 'language improvement' from where the students can get their manuscripts corrected against a minimal fee!
The only 'self-reinforcing process' here is the absolutely unjustifiable insistence to privilege English as the medium of instruction in a country where only a numerically and socially insignificant elite could realistically have access to the means of gaining any degree of competence in it. The obvious solution to anybody who is not a belligerent neo-colonialist would be to push for schooling in the vernacular. Your 'command of English and its niceties' does nothing to distract from the muddled thought process that led to the farcical conclusion you peddle here in an extremely patronizing manner. Could you be any more presumptuous in holding up the 'legacy of English' as an inheritance to be celebrated? Would you recommend this course to all post-colonial societies that bear the dead weight of this legacy, or is it simply a case of preaching to the choir? Trust me, your acolytes are bending over backwards to ensure that the sanctity of English is maintained in higher education institutes in Pakistan.
Writer really point the situation that we need to address.I really appreciate his effort to pen down the long existing issue, and accept he will keep continue by time to time to write at this forum. Some people here are writing that writer is defaming us. I must say that are very cynical and have mean approach. Rather we esteem him for highlighting problem, contrary to it some fellows are criticizing him. This is complete insanity.
We are one of the lucky country that have english legacy. However our young graduates are more oriented towards getting some sort of job after post grad studies. We not focusing on acquiring proper language skill. Although english is our official language however it is in dread conditions. We need to take some measure for improvements like some of the writer suggest in his writing.
I think we should focus on the essence of this article instead of giving our opinions. The author pointed out a serious problem with serious consequences for the higher education system in Pakistan and proposed some solutions. Lack of English language proficiency of doctoral candidates is a troubling phenomenon.It can be remedied by providing English Language support and improving standards for language requirement for postgraduate researchers. The Higher Education Commission ought to take note of this and revise their policies concerning language requirements.
Our 98% school pupils have all syllabus from grade 1 to grade 10 in urdu parallel we have english just as language subject. I must say we must introduce syllabus for 98% population in english from grade 1. As india is doing. We should not give approval and give acceptance to that children are comfortable in learning more by mother tong then such are the side effect for that course of action, which 98% schools are practising that in Pakistan.
PTI must rethink on there education policy to continue with urdu language as medium of instructions for school going children.
I can understand some students not being to write well bt it the duty of the guide to check the papers to see they are clear and precisely drafted.They should not be sent to examiners till it is done. skpande
The author should appreciate those are working with excellent command in English ( Pakistan). Since english is not indigenous language so it cannot be criticized. Pakistanis are very hard working and they can meet with any criteria anywhere in the world. Mr. Author should provide his services for Pakistani school children to teach in English. It will be great cause of his life.
"....colonialism has left Pakistan with the legacy of English" Sir, I have no problems. To many of us Urdu is the language of the colonialist. The British have departed but our homeland has now been colonized by millions of outlanders who have dispossessed us and imposed their boorish lifestyle on us.
The dissertation work in english language can be improved with the assistance of Google and refined further against a fee of $250,-. So what is your problem Mr English master? Phd in history or science does not require perfect knowledge of English language which is inferior to French, arabic and German language.
Rex Minor
Author is a conspiracy to defame Pakistani linguistic skills!
Author Although there is no royal road learning a language,a vast majority of Pakistanis thinks there is one and that is, at school or at univarsity.They are wrong they must know if there is no strong urge,which I think majority lacks.there is no guarantee learning a language.Pakistanis student have bad record of reading books,newspapers or other magzines available in english language.This weaknes deprive them, besides others,of general knowldge which is very essential for personality building.I must say had Pakistanis developed the habit of reading english stuff there would have been less intollerance and more openness of minds with command on language as bonus. Thank you and regards
Our national language Urdu is indeed a beautiful language with a rich literature. But an overwhelming majority of the people of Pakistan speak regional languages like Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Siraiki, Balochi and so on. The learning of children is impaired at school level because text books written in mother tongues are not allowed. As for English language and the opportunities it provides, IELTS score of 7 band as screening could be a helpful criteria. But the learned professor's appreciation of the achievements of Higher Education Commission can be disputed given the amount of money they spent to create an army of PhDs with their junk research. Priority should be given to primary and secondary education if we are to produce minds that think critically rather than parroting text books as well as students who can at least write grammatically correct English.
May be Dr Robinson should spend five years in Pakistan to get a flavour of Pakistani English because students from Pakistan, even the most highly educated ones have been subjected to enduring linguistic maltreatment at the hands of their tutors and mentors. President Clinton went to India once with a view to visit Bihar and improve the language skills of his host Lalu ji there. It was agreed that the two will cut out all public engagements and concentrate on Bill's language teaching skills. After two days both appeared in public with Clinton saying "Yeh susra nahin sudhrega".
Currently, we are following at least four educational structures in our country. Firstly, Cambridge is for elite set, those qualify O and A level seldom pursue higher studies, this is producing stuff equally adept and capable of competing to any forum but they are much less in number. Second, is the so called private school in every nook and corner where those teaching are amateur and lack KSAs. This faction is primarily money making machine and is less concerned with what all they craft. Third, are yellow schools, sponsored and run by the government and they generate bulk of our graduates. These schools carry ghost employees and educational standards are squat and rural boards students of these schools are bequest with inflated grade on plea to ensure them in mainstream of adolescence development. Last one is Madarsa, mostly hostile to English in its basic ingredient in teaching pattern. Our research fellows and class emerge from the third category and ironically none amongst us choose teaching or research as egotistical profession for him or reverie for his or her ward. With puny milieu our selection and nomination system for scholarship abroad has been a subject of controversy. We have to go far for this purpose.
Sadly Mr. Robinson, you are spot on with your comments. The lack of a decent educational system in Pakistan has resulted in substandard language competency; not just in English, but also in the national language Urdu. You would struggle to find many people proficient in the use of technically and grammatically correct Urdu language to use in producing a research paper of any kind. This has resulted in professional publications being substandard as well, to the point that you find published books, journals and sometimes even newspapers full of language errors. The benefits of using correct language and of learning linguistic skills go beyond research and attaining higher educational qualifications. Over generations of misuse, these skills may get completely lost and become obsolete.
Interesting observation, I must say. I think it might also have to do with our traditional reading habits. Most of the Pakistanis say good bye to books after finishing off formal education. Therefore, the consistent exposure to structured English is not in place to address the communication / articulation issues you have highlighted.