Importance of the English Language

A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by a particular group of people. 

Language, so far as we know, is something specific to humans, that is to say it is the basic capacity that distinguishes humans from all other living beings. Language therefore remains potentially a communicative medium capable of expressing ideas and concepts as well as moods, feelings and attitudes. 

A set of linguists who based their assumptions of language on psychology made claims that language is nothing but ‘habit formation’. According to them, language is learnt through use, through practice. In their view, ‘the more one is exposed to the use of language, the better one learns’. 

Written languages use symbols (characters) to build

words. The entire set of words is the language’s vocabulary. The ways in which the words can be meaningfully combined is defined by the language’s syntax and grammar. The actual meaning of words and combinations of words is defined by the language’s semantics. 

The latest and the most advanced discoveries and inventions in science and technology are being made in the universities located in the United States of America where English language is the means of scientific discourse. 

The historical circumstances of India (having been ruled by the British for over two centuries) have given the Indians an easy access to mastering English language, and innumerable opportunities for advancement in the field of science and technology. Many Indians have become so skilled in English language and have won many international awards for creative and comparative literatures during the last few years. Sometime ago, an Indian author, Arundhati Roy, won the prestigious booker prize for her book “The God of Small Things”. Her book sold lakhs of copies all over the globe. 

Over the years, English language has become one of our principal assets in getting a global leadership for books written by Indian authors and for films made by Indians in English language. A famous Indian movie maker Shekhar Kapoor’s film “Elizabeth” has got several nominations for Oscar Awards. It does not require any further argument to establish the advantage English language has brought to us at the international level. 

English language comes to our aid in our commercial transactions throughout the globe. English is the

language of the latest business management in the world and Indian proficiency in English has brought laurels to many Indian business managers. English is a means not only for international commerce; it has become increasingly essential for inter-state commerce and communication. 

In India, people going from North to South for education or business mostly communicate in English, which has become a link language. Keeping this in mind, the Parliament has also recognized English as an official language in addition to Hindi. All the facts of history and developments in present day India underline the continued importance of learning English in addition to vernaculars. 

Some of the states of India are witnessing popular increase in public demand for teaching of English language from the primary classes. Realizing the importance, recently, the Minister of Indian Railways, Laloo Prasad Yadav, demands teaching of English language in schools. The great demand for admission in English medium schools throughout the country is a testimony to the attraction of English to the people of India. Many of the leaders, who denounce English, send their own children to English medium schools. Many of the schools in the country have English as the sole or additional medium of instruction. 

A language attracts people because of the wealth of literature and knowledge enshrined in it. English poses no danger to Indian languages. The Indian languages are vibrant and are developing by the contributions of great minds using them as their vehicle of expression. English is available to us as a historical heritage in addition to our own language. We must make the best use of English to develop ourselves culturally and materially so that we can

compete with the best in the world of mind and matter. English language is our window to the world. 

English language is one tool to establish our viewpoint. We can learn from others experience. We can check the theories of foreigners against our experience. We can reject the untenable and accept the tenable. We can also propagate our theories among the international audience and readers. 

We can make use of English to promote our worldview and spiritual heritage throughout the globe. Swami Vivekananda established the greatness of Indian view of religion at the world conference of religions in Chicago in 1893. He addressed the gathering in impressive English. Many spiritual gurus have since converted thousands of English people to our spirituality by expressing their thought and ideas in masterful English. English has thus become an effective means of promoting Indian view of life, and strengthening our cultural identity in the world. 

When William Caxton set up his printing press in London (1477) the new hybrid language (vernacular English mixed with courtly French and scholarly Latin) became increasingly standardized, and by 1611, when the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible was published, the educated English of London had become the core of what is now called Standard English. By the time of Johnson’s dictionary (1755) and the American Declaration of Independence (1776), English was international and recognizable as the language we use today. The Orthography of English was more or less established by 1650 and, in England in particular, a form of standard educated speech, known as Received Pronunciation (RP) spread from the major public schools in the 19th century. This accent was adopted in the early 20th century by the

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for its announcers and readers, and is variously known as RP, BBC English, Oxford English, and the King’s or Queen’s English. 

Generally, Standard English today does not depend on accent but rather on shared educational experience, mainly of the printed language. Present-day English is an immensely varied language, having absorbed material from many other tongues. It is spoken by more than 300 million native speakers, and between 400 and 800 million foreign users. It is the official language of air transport and shipping; the leading language of science, technology, computers, and commerce; and a major medium of education, publishing, and international negotiation. For this reason, scholars frequently refer to its latest phase as World English.

Importance of English Language in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

Language is the proper and systematic way of communication between individuals. It is the tool, with which he conducts his business in the society. It is a vehicle, by which different subject matters are transmitted. A person must know something of the

structure of his language, its position in the world and its relation to other tongues. A language lives in a society so long as people speak it and use it as their native tongue. A language is important because the people who speak it are important — politically, socially, commercially, economically and culturally. Importance of English language is doubtlessly great. It is spoken by more than Three-hundred-forty (340) million people as a first language in United Kingdom and the United States. The better the focus on language the more civilized people become. Every language represents a complete different background of people, culture, ethnicity or region. Similarly English language has progressed to such an extent that it is the most widely understood language in the world with French as the runner up. English is widely used as an international language throughout the world. It is one of the official languages, even in most of the countries of the third world. It is also used for international communication. English is the highly developed language which has the ability to express ideas and it is the means of revelation of modern civilization.

Importance of English language is due to its international use. It is a fact that a vast knowledge of the universe has been demonstrated in this language. For the achievement of that knowledge, it is essential to understand this international language. We may assume that it shares with the other highly

developed languages of Europe the ability to express the multiplicity of ideas and the refinement of thoughts that demand expression in our modern civilization. In this modern age when electronic media has widely spread all over the world, it is necessary to have the knowledge of this language because it is the medium of communication and a person, lacking the knowledge of this language can’t get awareness of the universal knowledge. As it is obvious that the universal exploration is mostly revealed in this language, so it’s worth can’t be descended.

It is the age of scientific advancement and mechanical approach, the subject matter of which is demonstrated in English language, so it is an essential necessity of the people to learn this language. English has proved itself, as a torch-bearing to the nations of the third world. It is contemplated as the means of ascending knowledge.

On the other hand, English has been the part of our nation’s history from the beginning .Clearly we cannot deny its importance in our life. Over the years, English language has become one of our principal assets in getting a global leadership. English language is one tool to establish our viewpoint. We can learn from others experience. We can check the theories of foreigners against our experience. We can reject the untenable and accept the tenable. We can also propagate our theories among the international

audience and readers. We can make use of English to promote our worldview and spiritual heritage throughout the globe. Yes, other languages are important too, but not for the same reasons as English are important. English is important because it is, maybe, the only language that truly links the whole world together. If not for English, the whole world may not be as united as it is today. The other languages may be important for their local values and culture.

ENGLISH AND SUBCONTINENT:

British came in sub-continent for trade but ultimately invaded it. Muslims opposed them but Hindus favoured them. Hindus got the English education whereas Muslims due to hatred feelings for British did not learn English. Hindus took benefit of it and came closer to the British due to convenience in communication. It was also clear in history that ignoring the leading language would prove harmful to us so it is now.

SIR SYED AND ENGLISH:

Leaders like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a vital role for the development of English in subcontinent especially for Muslims. He emphasized on the importance of learning English language to have better

communication with the British because they were the ruling nation. He published bi-lingual newspaper in English and Urdu and also made arrangements for Muslims to get scientific knowledge in English. That was the time when English language started spreading in sub-continent and grew its roots stronger and stronger. Sir Syed never emphasized on turning culture and changing norms of our society but simply said that learning English would prove beneficial. This was right afterwards.

DISCUSSION

Significance of English: No one can deny the importance of English in modern world. Its importance is not confined to professionals and students solely but it is also very important for common people even house wives. It is due to the great importance of this international language that our government make it compulsory subject in the course of students. Besides its academic importance a person is characterized as illiterate who can’t speak English well. English is the international language as one can find people who understand that language in all parts of the world. It is also the language of internet and international media. Although Urdu is the official language of Pakistan but English is the language which is formally used in all private and government officials. Skill of English language helps students in finding a high quality job. In business life the most important common language is obviously English. In addition to this, especially high-quality jobs need good

understanding ability and speaking skills in English. Therefore companies can easily open out to other countries and these companies generally employee graduates whose English is fluent and orderly. For example, a student, who is graduated from a university which takes English as a major language will find a better and high-quality job than other students who don’t know English adequately. In other words, the student who knows English will be more efficient in his job because he can use the information from foreign sources and web sites. He can prepare his assignments and tasks with the help of this information. In addition many high quality jobs are related with international communication and world wide data sharing. People working in an international company have to know English in order to communicate with foreign workers. English is the International Language and is one of the most popular and most spoken in the technology world. The latest and

the most advanced discoveries and inventions in science and technology are being made in the universities located in the United States of America where English language is the means of scientific discourse. We need to know English language in order to study any science subject or any computer language. It is said that China is developing its own resources in the fields of science and technology without learning any foreign language including English. But foreign countries put blame on it that all such formulas had been stolen by it and these are not China’s own inventions. So without understanding the foreign science that is in English language, China prefers to copy out the things. But now we can see that china is also trying to learn English as a secondary language in its country. For many journalists today, English is the main language used for newspapers or magazines, radio, television or the internet. A journalist has to take interviews from foreign leaders on their visit to Pakistan or if

that journalist has to take interviews from them by going abroad himself; for this purpose, English is a great necessity to be known by journalists. Radio has become quite famous among youngsters. They used to listen to channels that are entertaining as well as educating mediums. FM 91 and FM 89 are well known radio channels in Pakistan which allow many of their programs to be on air in English. So, radio and TV channels welcome preferably those people, who can write and speak English very well. It is quite clear that English has become a necessity today. We need it in different fields of life. That’s why it has become easier to learn more than ever before with the availability of many sources to help people learn very easily. Such as the Internet, books and educational institutes which spread around the world. DISADVANTAGES OF NOT HAVING ENGLISH IN SOCIETY:

We belong to a developing country and it is the fact that the ruling language is always of

developed countries.so for the development and progress in every field of world we must follow the ruling language.in the absence of this thinking; we can never explore this world truly. This is the reason that societies where the modern language is not being followed remains cut off from the progressing world. Similarly the person having no command on English language faces too many problems at every step of his life. For example at school level a student cannot compete with his fellow students who are well in English or doing O'level and A'level. Same is the case in colleges and universities where most of the work you have to do or submit is in English. And in an environment like this only those can excel who have better skills in English Language. The story does not end here the real problem starts from here when you are in field and about to find out a job. In a society like ours where the language English is being treated as a special language since last few decades.

Even our personality evaluation totally depends on our listening, writing and spoken English skills, the better we are the more we excel. So we can conclude that job opportunities are for those who are better in all these aspects. So, your general knowledge and practical skills are not as much important as your command over English. Same is the case with abroad settled non-English people who find great difficulty in living and communicating there. so, to avoid all these problems people from the very beginning are trying to

admit their children in English medium schools where they pay heavy fees just to excel in this standard. That is why the poor people are still very far away from this language in our society and facing so many problems to move in society.

All advanced knowledge in science, technology and medicine is available in English. The results of the latest researches come to India through the medium of English. If we give up English, we will lag behind in the higher fields of study. Today the world has become one family.

Comparison with other countries

INDIA

English is important for a number of reasons in a country like India because it is a land of diversity. Different people speak different languages. A person of Tamil Nadu does not speak Hindi. So he can't understand Hindi of a person from North India. However he can understand in English.

So English is a link language. Different people can communicate with one another with the help of English. Secondly, all advanced knowledge in science, technology and medicine is available in English. The results of the latest researches come to India through the medium of English. If we give up English, we will lag behind in the higher fields of study. Today the world has become one family.

It is all due to English. English is an international language. English is the language of the Constitution, the Supreme Court, the High Courts and official departments. English is now firmly rooted in the soil of India. It has become a part of Indian life. Thus English has great importance for the integrity of India. It has to be second language in our country for the better development of the country.

As per the data published by the 2011 census India has managed to achieve an effective literacy rate of 74.04 per cent in 2011. In the 2001 census the country's literacy rate stood at 64.8 percent.

CHINA

Due to its increasing population, the People Republic of China is currently an important provider of labour force, as well as technology. The need for international acceptance is not so easy to satisfy; this is the main reason why English is one of the most important foreign languages taught in China. The estimation is that the Chinese willing to learn English are more numerous than the actual English native speakers. This is why the chance of teaching English in China constitutes a viable option for many teachers. Jobs in China have begun to flourish particularly since business English has become a generally accepted language and, thus, a language needed in international transactions. The opportunity to teach English in China, thus, sounds more likable to latest

alumnae.

Literacy rate defined as knowledge of 1,500 Chinese characters in rural locations and 2,000 characters in urban areas.

Before the Communist party took power in 1949, about 80% of China’s population was illiterate. Enrollment rate was below 20% for elementary school and about 6% of junior secondary school.

By 2008, adult illiteracy rate in China dropped to only 3.58%. Elementary school and junior secondary school enrollment jumped to 99.5% and 98.5% respectively.

Today, Chinese youth (15-24 years) have a 99% literacy rate.

[UNICEF, 2004-2008 data]

BANGLADESH

On the one hand English language is dominantly present in every side of our national life while on the other hand in Bangla’s constitution it is clearly declared that the language of the country is Bangla. In fact, nothing is said about the status of English language in Bangla’s constitution. On one hand, economic activities in the private companies are carried out in English while there is a government law (Bangla Procholon ain1987) that government offices must use Bangla in their official works. So from the government point of view Bangla is the national-

official language of Bangladesh and English is the most important foreign language. But in reality English is the second language of the country and in many places English is more important than Bangla in Bangladesh.

Literacy Situation

At National level

5 years and over

57.53

Sub division-Rural

5 years and over

Can write a letter for communication (Literate) 54.19

Sub division-Urban

5 years and over

Can write a letter for communication (Literate) 68.40

 Conclusion:-

Pakistan got independent 64 years ago but people are still dependent on their so called norms which are a great obstacle in the progress of every field. Our system of society has forced the living of here to stay in darkness of illiteracy.

Pakistan’s educational system especially in governmental sector focuses on grammar (tenses, parts of speech, pair of words etc.) from 3 or 4 standard till master’s degree. Though all above

mentioned syllabus is very important but we should also improve our vocabulary as well as accent. Limited vocabulary may devaluate a person a many places and our even highly qualified students can’t get what English people say.

Now days, English makes a personality strong although it becomes an essential part in every field of life. We take an example of our film industry where they even can’t understand a single word moreover can’t pronounce a single word in a proper way like meera even know the meaning of paparazzi photographers. Once she said “government appointed her as an ambassador of Canada” but she even don’t know Canada never have an ambassador from showbiz. It shows that our studies system is not up to mark and we don’t know the history as well as current status of developed countries.

Another issue was highlighted by Pakistani media that Aitzaz Ahsan (senior lawyer of Supreme Court) submitted a petition in Supreme Court in which he did a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes which shows the standard of English language in Pakistan even at this high level. Many sectors of Pakistan for Instance business class, media are trying to improve their standard to qualify for job

Solution is always better than a conclusion:-

We should remove the remedies rather than criticize them.

The matter of fact is we should have to improve our spoken skills.

We should improve our school system,

English language must be compulsory in every school.

We must improve our living standard because children spend 12 to 14 hours at their home.

Focusing on child education at the grass root level will help more effectively.

Adopt English as a language but not English culture as a trait.Why Learn English: 10 Reasons to Learn English

There are many reasons to learn English, but because it is one of the most difficult languages to learn it is important to focus on exactly why it is you want to learn English. Here we will look at ten great reasons why English is so important. Post this list somewhere you can see it and it will motivate you to keep going even when you are tired of trying to figure out which witch is which!

1. English is the most commonly used language among foreign language speakers. Throughout the world, when people with different languages come together they commonly use English to communicate.

2. Why learn English when it is so difficult? Well, knowing English will make you bilingual and more employable in every country in the world.

3. Despite China, the United States is still a leader in technical innovation and economic development. English is used in the United States and in each of these fields.

4. 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.

5. Another reason why English is so important is that it is the language of science. To excel in science you need to know English.

6. English is based on an alphabet and, compared to Chinese, it can be learned fairly quickly.

7. English is also the language of the Film Industry and English means you no longer have to rely on subtitles.

8. In the United States, speaking English immediately opens up opportunities regardless of your ethnicity, color, or background.

9. Learn English and you can then teach your children English -- or if they are already learning, you can now communicate with them in English.

10. English speakers in the United States earn more money than non-English speakers. Learning English will open your job prospects and increase your standard of living.

Conclusion

A language attracts people due to the wealth of literature and knowledge enshrined in it. People travel within the Country and Abroad for different purposes e.g. Education, Business and Tourism, etc., need a common language to communicate with each other. English alone serves all these purposes and has got answer to every question up her sleeve. So, the bottom line is if anybody wants to compete and excel in this world, has to be really good at English language because it is our window to the world.