Is knowledge of english a boon or bane?

[mandeep333]

With the enhancement in International Relationship & Communication can we as Bhartiya/Hinustanis consider acceptable knowledge of a language foreign to us a boon or a bane? Countries like China, Japan, Russia, Germany, France do not look forward to the essential knowledge of English. On the other hand we the Bhartiya/Hindustanis feel elated in showing off our profound knowledge of "psedeo-English language & culture". Even our Bollywood film stars prefer script written in Roman alphabet!!!
I am bewildered but at the same time I must candidly say that I am not against English as a language to learn. My only contention is our showing off unwanted knowledge of this language. We have to understand the difference between dire necessity & show off!

[Dagar25]

I am totally agree with you mandeep sir...........some ppl really flaunt their english communication skills....and consider it as a social status....ppl who speak english are understood more qualified and educated......it is different thing they may not have good knowledge of their particular field......

I am also not against learning and using english in conversation but it is shame for whole country that English is forcing us to change not only our language but also our culture too... you can see almost all the schools impart education in english medium...the coming generations would be of english speakers only..how many parents encourage their children to learn hindi..... how many feel proud in knowing and learning hindi........and how many can survive by becoming hindi speaker?

I am not against english but the ppl who dont want to learn english.........can survive with same respect as an english speaker gets. indians are obsessed with english........

[DrRajpalSingh]

Friends,

As we know that language is a means of communication and as a matter of fact over the years English has acquired the status of lingua-franca as it is understood to some extent all over the country. Therefore, there is no harm in learning and using it as a safe medium of expression. So far as 'showing off' is concerned, that depends on the upbring and varies among different persons. If some hollow people show off what they are, it has nothing to do with their command on the language. Have we not seen that 'showy' people never hide their liking to show off in their way of hand shaking, body language, dress and like that.

In the fast changing scenario when the globe is becoming an enlarged family or village, acquisition of international knowledge through any of the international language (of courseincluding English) is a boon

[AbhikRana]

Dear Mandeep,

Whether we like it or not, knowing English and knowing it well is the need of the day.

Jats are losing the race because of their intransigence - We DON'T NEED ENGLISH!

I have personally come across instances where people from across the country come to the metropolis and through hit & trial and consistent effort gain mastery over the language. But the scene is totally different with people from our community. Any attempt to motivate fellow community members to pick up the nuances of English language is not taken in a positive manner by them. That is one of the main reasons for their being ignored for some of the very good job openings despite their being well qualified, intelligent and otherwise capable.

[vicky84]

Dear Mandeep,

That is one of the main reasons for their being ignored for some of the very good job openings despite their being well qualified, intelligent and otherwise capable.

You are absolutely right!! I give you one example of everlasting impression of English on Indians. Yesterday I was watching MTV Roadies auditions. There were like 5-7 contestants. Raghu hosts the program. He interviewed contestants one by one.
And there was a girl who had a command over English. She sang a short tune of Rihanna's song, Umbrella. And off she goes. She cleared the round!! Impressive!! Haha!! And other contestants who were not good in english were finding it hard to make in.

[vicky84]

Yes English is must in today's world. India is getting a lot of business because of good command over English. But I think our economy should not rely completely over this labour based outsourcing work. In a short term its good as we are able to make money from this type of business but in long term I doubt it. We should not rely on this robot type labour work. I completely agree with Chetan Bhagat's comments on Infosys. We are running body shops around the country!! If we stay on this path for long term, I doubt India will be able sustain Economy growth.

I think government should invest lot of money in research so that India can be hub of technology. Get the royalty on the patents and sell the technology to rest of the world. I think, this is a long term solution for our country. This will not only help us in strengthening our economy but will also make us proud!

[vicky84]

Chetan Bhagat's remarks on Infosys:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/murthys-remarks-on-iit-highhanded-chetan-bhagat/856103/

Chetan Bhagat, an IIT alumnus turned-celebrity writer, took umbrage at Infosys chairman emeritus N R Narayana Murthy's "sweeping" comments on the quality of engineers churned out by premier IITs.Slamming Murthy, Bhagat said today that such comments should not have come from a person who runs a "body shopping" company and calls it "hi-tech."

"It is ironic when someone who runs a body shopping company and calls it hi-tech, makes sweeping comments on the quality of IIT students," said Bhagat in a tweet on the microblogging site Twitter.

Taking up cudgels for the students from the country's centres of excellence, Bhagat referred to the contribution of IIT students in the making of Information Technology (IT) major Infosys."IITians have made a great contribution in making Infosys what it is. Hope people remember that," said Bhagat, who did his Mechanical Engineering from IIT, Delhi.

[Fateh]

I also believe that knowledge or ability of any language is always good and specially the knowledge of english due to its vider acceptability in India and in more countries of the world, but certainly it should not get into head like sanskrit which was used by brahamins to fool the Indian masses. regards I

[mandeep333]

I have come to understand that fluency in English is imperative and need of hour. At the same time I perceive that we need not only to know this language accurately but also fluently. We must understand that little knowledge is a very dangerous thing. Therefore, I put the emphasis on the knowledge of the wrong syllables that mar the beauty of any language. Two things need to be taken care of.
1. Knowledge of the language.
2. Its accurate and understandable use.

[singhvp]

In scientific parlance, language is nothing more than sound particles which help the living creatures to communicate with each other. With the evolution of mankind and human civilization the different gestures and sounds got concretised and acquired the shape of languages. With passage of time, certain languages became symbols of elitism as the speakers of those languages were considered more powerful, civilized and torch bearers of mannerism by those who were relatively inferior; economically, militarily or otherwise. English was one such language which acquired the status of the “Queen Language” – thanks to the might of British Imperialism. With the spread of British colonialism, English started spreading its influence and gradually became a lingua franca of the world. Now the things have come to such a pass that no country can afford to ignore this mighty language which is spoken by more than 750 million people all over the world and widely spoken by the majority in more than 50 countries.

Therefore, I don’t see any reason to be allergic to English which has become indispensable in the global village. It should rather be taught as a compulsory subject of curriculum in all the streams of education. English has been one of the grey areas of the rural folks who are shy of expressing themselves in English with eloquence even after reaching at the peak of their academic career. I have seen people with non-English & rural background having high status in bureaucratic hierarchy and even some academics with many degrees, fumbling for words during discussion in English. At individual level too, people must try to develop their skills in written and spoken English. It would certainly add to their personality and intellectual level. For professionals working in multi-national companies and international organisations, English is essential and people working there are supposed to have a reasonably good command over written as well as spoken English. Therefore, good knowledge of English would certainly help them in elevation of their career. English also helps us in interaction with people of other languages as it is spoken by people of all hues. But, having said that, I would like to suggest that English should not be allowed to flourish at the cost of our native languages and dialects. We have to be selective in use of English and should not attach less importance to our native languages and dialects. Nowadays, English is becoming more a symbolism of modernity than a tool to achieve success in certain fields. I have seen people, especially ladies, who prohibit use of Hindi or the native dialect by their children (and also husbands in some cases). This type of attitude is nothing short of a mental slavery and intellectual bankruptcy.

Conclusively, English is a window which opens towards rest of the world. Hence, it is a boon.

[riyaa]

Is knowledge of english a boon or bane? Jo samajh lae uske liye boon jo na samjhe uske liye bane, Knowledge is a good thing to gain..And I dont think there is any harm in learning english it definately help.

[singhvp]

Inadequate knowledge of English may become a bane. I am quoting a condolence message circulated by one educated modern youth on a yahoo group mail box (consisting of some employees of a particular department) consequent upon untimely demise of one member of that particular group. Please pay attention on the bold and highlighted word.

Msg:

Dear friends,
It is really very heartening to hear about the sad demise of our friend Veerghese. he was a thorough gentleman. May Almighty give strenggth this gret loss and may his soul live in peace.


XYZ (name not to be disclosed)

[karan]

English is the language of international business and law. how did it become such language--simple answer is USA. Every nation under the sun wanted to do business with America, and Americans insisted in doing all business and legal communication in English. English language is spoken in more places than any other language and that's a fact. However, having a proper command of language and grammar is something to be mastered, fewer people have the relevant command of grammar and accent. If you travel worldwide you will find--Indian Accent of speaking English is downright pathetic and hideous. Most people learn their broken English from Bollywood movies and they are the worst teacher. Years ago I read one employees ACR at gov't office where his supervisor/manager wrote a following comment........
1. ..........worked hardly.
after the employee objected and explained the meaning to him.......he changed it to this...
2. .........hardly worked.

Needless to say after much consternation, manager in question just asked the employee to write his own evaluation.

Command of any language is a boon otherwise a bane.......

[Dagar25]

I have a good E-book on English Grammar for utterly confused. I want to upload that file.........how can I upload.........if someone needs..... can mail to me at ajay.dg22@gmail.com

[nehasinghaz]

knowledge of anything can never be bane ................but half knowledge is off course. It is a boom for the people who want widen their knowledge by going through the international journal. English is not for social status it is just like any other language which helps you in communication......bas.

[deshi-jat]

My 2 cents: prevalence of English in India is because of colonialism. Had business been the simple reason, then an average German, French or Japanese would have been more fluent in English than us.



English is the language of international business and law. how did it become such language--simple answer is USA. Every nation under the sun wanted to do business with America, and Americans insisted in doing all business and legal communication in English. English language is spoken in more places than any other language and that's a fact. However, having a proper command of language and grammar is something to be mastered, fewer people have the relevant command of grammar and accent. If you travel worldwide you will find--Indian Accent of speaking English is downright pathetic and hideous. Most people learn their broken English from Bollywood movies and they are the worst teacher. Years ago I read one employees ACR at gov't office where his supervisor/manager wrote a following comment........
1. ..........worked hardly.
after the employee objected and explained the meaning to him.......he changed it to this...
2. .........hardly worked.

Needless to say after much consternation, manager in question just asked the employee to write his own evaluation.

Command of any language is a boon otherwise a bane.......

[DrRajpalSingh]

Dear Krishanji,

You are right to say that English in India has been made acceptable due to colonialism.

In fact, the concept of producing middle and lower level clerks to feed newly established bureaucratic administrative machinery at cheaper rates and their acceptance of half baked European manners enabled English to spread in every nook and corner of India. Since 1835 when Lord Macaulay recommended English as medium of instruction in government aided institutions and in 1856 when three modern Indian Universities were founded on the model of the London University English has been flourishing and progressing by leaps and bounds. It soon acquired the status of gentlemen's language in British India. Since then it has going on to increase in volume and quality and has never seen back.
During our national movement for freedom it emerged as a common link for communication for our leaders which further popularized it. Its use in print media also contributed to make it the language of trade and commerce. That is why it continues to hold its pre-eminent position among the languages of India as such.

Regards

Raj Pal Singh

[urmiladuhan]

English is the language of international business and law. how did it become such language--simple answer is USA. Every nation under the sun wanted to do business with America, and Americans insisted in doing all business and legal communication in English. English language is spoken in more places than any other language and that's a fact. However, having a proper command of language and grammar is something to be mastered, fewer people have the relevant command of grammar and accent. If you travel worldwide you will find--Indian Accent of speaking English is downright pathetic and hideous. Most people learn their broken English from Bollywood movies and they are the worst teacher. Years ago I read one employees ACR at gov't office where his supervisor/manager wrote a following comment........
1. ..........worked hardly.
after the employee objected and explained the meaning to him.......he changed it to this...
2. .........hardly worked.

Needless to say after much consternation, manager in question just asked the employee to write his own evaluation.

Command of any language is a boon otherwise a bane.......

Even U.S.A was ruled by the British until about 350 years ago - that is how English became the working language of U.S.A.

[DrRajpalSingh]

Even U.S.A was ruled by the British until about 350 years ago - that is how English became the working language of U.S.A.

Permit me to correct a minor inadvertent discrepancy: The British rule over 13 North American Colonies (which now constitute USA) came to an end in 1783 AD.

[mandeep333]

So friends let us believe the fact that when one has success, the answer is not to undo that success. It is to continue what has been done. We need to develop communication skill in the use of English.

[DrRajpalSingh]

Well said Friend.

[sapverma]

I 100% agree with you,Mandeep ji bhai--. I could say again the same ,what you beautifully in clear terms, have said."Show- off", is very shallow but if our country children/adult could learn several languages --is a plus to our nation's favor. It is a talent to learn several languages because ,"India has Talent." Thanks Mandeep ji for such thread.

[DrRajpalSingh]

I 100% agree with you,Mandeep ji bhai--. I could say again the same ,what you beautifully in clear terms, have said."Show- off", is very shallow but if our country children/adult could learn several languages --is a plus to our nation's favor. It is a talent to learn several languages because ,"India has Talent." Thanks Mandeep ji for such thread.

Learning several languages and using them in effective manner is definitely a boon; and for raising this issue under this thread has enlightened us very much.

[mandeep333]

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it - Albert Einstein.

[Prikshit]

When we talk of knowledge, it is always good. But applying it in a constructive manner is something which decides whether is a boon or bane.

[mandeep333]

Learning a language opens the doors to the culture which it belongs. This is true, in the case of English doesn’t not relate to one culture but many. Always think that English is the official language of the United Kingdom, United States, part of Canada, Australia New Zealand (practically India, too) and other countries, therefore its influence extends worldwide.

One of the most important reasons to learn English is to study abroad, moreover now in many universities around the world knowledge of English is a requirement. Students have to pass English exams before graduating and earning her/his degree. This reflects the interest of schools, universities and institutes in order to be at the forefront of education.

Young interested people tend to study a foreign language, because in this way they are more prepared for overseas positions. To do this, they have to prepare an excellent resume that best reflects their skills, education and professional experience.


Courtesy: http://www.englishlanguageguide.com/

[mandeep333]

Officially English has a status of assistant language, but in fact it is the most important language of India. After Hindi it is the most commonly spoken language in India and probably the most read and written language in India. Indians who know English will always try to show that they know English. English symbolizes in Indians minds, better education, better culture and higher intellect. Indians who know English often mingle it with Indian languages in their conversations. It is also usual among Indians to abruptly move to speak fluent English in the middle of their conversations. English also serves as the communicator among Indians who speak different language. English is very important in some systems – legal, financial, educational (http://adaniel.tripod.com/education.htm), business (http://adaniel.tripod.com/economical.htm) – in India. The reason Indians give much importance to English is related to the fact that India was a British colony.

Courtesy: http://adaniel.tripod.com/Languages3.htm

Even today schools in India that emphasis English are considered better schools and the same is the case at university levels, even though there is a trend towards Indianization. In the 1970s and 1980s about one third of the Indian schools had English as their first language. For most of these students, English is their first language and it is easier for them to communicate, read and write in English than in Indian languages, including their mother tongues. (It's perhaps no good reason for us to feel proud.)

Just like the Americans, Australians or even the British who have their unique English words and phrases, the Indians also have their own unique English. The Indians and the Indian English language press uses many words derived from Indian languages, especially from Hindi. Other than that, the Indian accent is sometimes difficult for non-Indians to understand. There are some Indian pronunciations that don’t exist in non Indian languages. The British also had problems with that and they caused some changes in Indian words so that they could pronounce them. Even the Indians started using these changed words and made them part of their English. Two examples of such changed words are currey and sari.