Importance of english language
The British had to leave bag and baggage and
for good following the long drawn struggle for freedom. Now, Pakistan is a free
and sovereign country with Urdu as its national language. And the importance of
English as a second official and a link language continues. No doubt the British
imposed English on Pakistan but now it is not a foreign language as are German,
French, Chinese or Russian. It continues to play an important role within the
country and outside in dealings with foreign countries. For more than 2
centuries English has been in sub-continent and Pakistani writers and authors
have made generous contribution in the development of English language and
literature.
Though the percentage of English speaking
people in Pakistan is very low, yet it is most widely used among the educated
urban people. It is also the medium of instruction in the institutions of higher
learning and education.
Many people are over-enthusiastic about
removing English and replacing it completely with Urdu and regional languages.
They argue that English is a symbol of slavery and colonialism. But they forget
that English s an international language and Urdu or regional languages just
provide translated material in higher learning and training. Without English it
would not be possible to keep pace with the rapid advancements and researches in
science and technology. The mother tongues are important and so is Urdu and it
is desirable that the students are imparted instructions and education in their
mother tongues. But it does not mean that English is no more important or can be
completely replaced by Urdu or other Pakistani languages. The time is not ripe
yet to see that happen. Total abolition of English would leave Pakistan far
behind from other countries in the fields of medicine, engineering,
communication, business, space technology, agriculture etc. It would be suicidal
to remove it completely from the scene.
Discretion is the better part of velour and
it is advisable that English retains its present position and status for some
more time to come. English is a link language and a means of communication
between different educated linguistic and regional groups. It is a language of
learning, higher studies, business, science and technology and opportunities.
Even those who advocate its removal in public send their sons and daughters to
English medium schools. English is very rich, powerful, varied and widely
understood language. It is spoken by the majority of the educated people all
over the world. It can be called a window upon the world of business, science
and culture. As such, more and more Pakistanis are learning English and there is
a flood of shops and institutions teaching Pakistanis how to speak English.
English is still and important instrument which provides us access to a wealth
of knowledge and information of the world.