A Brief Background: One wonders.. what is the need and importance of learning English in the schools formally.. there are so many reasons, esp because it was a language that was planted by the British in all their colonies. As they wanted their colonies to develop and promote the British culture much at the expense of the native culture, and nearly perfectly did so in the case of our country, and since the British established their colonies far and wide all over and across the world, they promptly planted their language as the main language of Administration and Education so much so that in the 19th century this language reigned like anything. But after gaining independence the former colonies in order to restore the glory of the native culture, pushed English to a side.
Since the British ruled over India a little more than one and a half century, this Language got entrenched in the air of this country so much so that the newly formed states would not part with it and therefore in the face of Language standoff, it was decided that English may be retained as a First Language or Second Language or even as a Third Language; a Strategy that came to be known as the Three Language Formula advocated by the Indian Education Commission (Kothari Education Commission) 1964-66.
Lets now pool in the reasons for learning English by our young schoolers:
- English is the most commonly spoken language in the world. One out of five people can speak or at least understand English!
- English is the language of science, of aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism. Knowing English increases your chances of getting a good job in a multinational company within your home country or of finding work abroad.
- English is the official language of 53 countries. That is a lot of people to meet and speak to. English is commonly spoken throughout much of the world due to Great Britian’s 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.
- English is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people around the world.
- English is the language of the media industry. If you speak English, you won’t need to rely on translations and subtitles anymore to enjoy your favourite books, songs, films and TV shows.
- English is also the language of the Internet. Many websites are written in English – you will be able to understand them and to take part in forums and discussions.
- English is based on a simple alphabet and it is fairly quick and easy to learn compared to other languages.
- English is not only useful — it gives you a lot of satisfaction. Making progress feels great. You will enjoy learning English, if you remember that every hour you spend gets you closer to perfection.
- Since English is spoken in so many different countries there are thousands of schools around the world that offer programmes in English. If you speak English, there’re lots of opportunities for you to find an appropriate school and course to suit your academic needs.
- Because it’s fun! By learning English, you will also learn about other cultures. Few experiences will make you grow as a person more than learning the values, habits and way of life in a culture that is different from yours.
The other Advantages of Learning English are:
#1: English courses are available and specifically tailored for people of varying levels of English proficiency and for those who wish to study English for different purposes. For example, some may want to undertake a very general English course, whereas others may wish to study English in relation to business or for academic purposes.
#2: When it comes to business and matters of trade, the English language tends to be the common currency. By studying English through a respected English school, you can expect to be able to conduct business transactions, write and respond to documents such as: emails, memos, contracts, agreements and reports and possibly pursue a career in business.
#3: Arguably the greatest advantage of studying English is that your career prospects and employment opportunities can vastly increase. People who can speak English fluently (possibly together with a first language) are highly sought after by companies of many types, including international companies. When seeking work, proficiency and confidence in speaking and understanding English can put you at a distinct advantage.
#4: With the world becoming so much closer and more connected, opportunities to travel and explore different parts of the world are more available and, as a result of having studied English, travellers are better able to communicate. In so many parts of the world, English is the common language that is spoken and when you have a command of the English language, travelling and interacting with people of different nationalities can become easier and more enjoyable.
#5: In terms of academia, English is the language most commonly spoken by academics worldwide. Of course, some important research and work occurs in all countries and in a variety of languages, but the vast majority tends to have been conducted, composed and published with the English language as its basis. Academics and scholars that have some knowledge of English frequently find that sharing their ideas and findings with their peers globally is more readily facilitated by their mastery of the English language.
#6: Technology is vital and significant in the day and age in which we live. English is very often the language used for many software programs and for those that are technologically minded and ambitious, the study of English can provide them with useful benefits and knowledge.
References:
http://5minuteenglish.com/why-learn-english.htm
http://www.experienceenglish.com/social-english/articles/10-reasons-learn-english
Eight advantages of studying English, http://www.academia21.com/blog/2011/07/23/advantages-studying-english/
Eight advantages of studying English, http://www.academia21.com/blog/2011/07/23/advantages-studying-english/
