Role of Language in Knowledge and English as a Language of Knowledge

Back to: Pedagogy of English – Unit 2

A language is an essential tool for communication purposes. It is used for promoting peace and order in society. It is used for displaying authority and power, and for the obtainment of goals and objectives. However, language can also be destructive to society if it is used inappropriately.

According to the framework of NCERT (2005),

“English in India today is a symbol of people’s aspirations for quality in education and fuller participation in national and international life … The level of introduction of English has now become a matter of political response to people’s aspirations, rendering almost irrelevant an academic debate on the merits of a very early introduction.”

Using the three-language formula has been seen as a convenient strategy to incorporate all the significant languages in education.

The language policy in Indian education is still something that is in progress. The three-language formula was introduced as a policy to safeguard national and regional interests. The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) also raised some serious concerns about language such as the number of languages that need to be taught, the role of Hindi and English, the teaching of Sanskrit, and more. In 1961, the Conference of Chief Ministers simplified the three-language formula and approved the following:

1. The regional language must be used when it is different from the mother tongue.

2. Hindi must be used in Hindi-speaking areas and other Indian languages in non-Hindi-speaking areas.

3. English or some other common European language can be used.

Role of English as a Language of Knowledge

Employment

English is important to achieve various employment opportunities in India.

Better Opportunities

Having access to good education gives learners access to good opportunities as well.

Success

Having good knowledge of English also gives you more chances of being successful.

Universal language

Good knowledge of the English language also comes in handy anywhere in the world as it is the universal language.

Global Opportunities

Insightful knowledge of the English language leads one to receive many global opportunities.

Language must be used following the conformity that governs the society so that conflicts can be avoided and the boundary of individual differences can be met.