English as ‘Second Language’ In India.

English as ‘Second Language’ In India

This paper argues that English is not purely pedagogic construct language in India. It has to be properly understood in the larger historical, social, and educational context. As we can say that English is not merely the second language in India but also the fashion icon, sign of cultural reputation, as well leading modernized language. It has its own structure which is accordingly: 1. modernization, internationalism 2. Mythology3. Language policy. In India English is more promoted by ‘elite class’ people rather than any other and it also left deleterious effects on the Indian mind and culture. In fact it divides culture into classes too. Elite class people who are perfectly represent the privilege figure in the society. Thus automatically English brought as leading language and it could easily establish hegemonic state among every other Indian languages; which now became regional or cultural language or else in sophisticated way they all began to known as ‘classical language’. Now Indian languages became backward in comparison of English language. One mythology or we can refer it as ideology represents one metaphor for English language as ‘window on world’. Because, it is the language of knowledge (science and technology), language of modernization and liberalization, language of liberty, and language of reason. Withal it is the language known as ‘link language’ to communicate. Thus it became that communicational bridge between two different countries or regions. But the black spot / negative side of English language is, it has replaced regional languages of India. In many region there are some controversies raised too to save regional language in against of English language. In Kerala we find people speak their regional language or else they can communicate only in English language. Thus, English language became second language in India but always it remains at privileging part of the society.

To conclude this discussion I would like to put here one statement further said by Kapil Kapoor that, “Indian languages are the walls that enclose us in darkness and English is the window that let’s in the light of reason and modernization.”

(Kapoor)

Works Cited

Kapoor, Kapil. ""Teaching English as 'Second Language' in India"." n.d.