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Why English called library language explain
Whatever has been said in Kothari Education Commission Report regarding the place of English is perfectly true because they have taken into consideration its present position in the country. The point is that at present everybody is talking against this language. The conditions prevailing in the schools are not favourable. The politicians, the parents and the public, in general, are saying rot about this language.
Their inner desire is to uproot this language from the country. Many teachers are seen finding faults with the students. Sometimes they say that it is next to impossible to show good results in English. The authorities have also expressed the view that it would be difficult to progress without the knowledge of English. So Kothari Education Commission has suggested that English should be made a library language in our country. That way our scholars who are doing advanced studies in the field of Science, Medicine, Engineering etc. will be able to consult library books. Advanced knowledge and excellent literature of the world lie in books which are in English medium. Indian readers must have at least as much knowledge of English as is required to understand the books lying in the library.
Without the study of English books, there can be every possibility of duplication in labour. Only the Study of English books reveals the degree of advancement that has taken place so far in the world. Our scholars by the study of those books can acquaint themselves fully with the subject matter and they may think of going ahead in that direction or a new era of research may be found out by them.
- Thus Kothari Education Commission has said that it is rather advisable to make it a library language. Making English a library language in the country will be nothing short of accepting defeat in the teaching and learning of this language.
By library language, we mean that the learners must study that much English which should help them to understand the subject matter contained In library books. They may not become fluent speakers of the language. They may not even acquire the ability to write nicely in correct English. But they must learn English which should ensure their comprehension of the reading material.
So the ultimate aim here is to teach reading. Now the question arises whether reading can be taught without giving practice. No, it is not possible. For all purposes, we must begin with speech.
Practice in listening is needed which will help in speaking. Speech is important for learning the reading of the language. The ability to recognise the written symbols comes through continuous practice and for reading out those very symbols, speech is required. So by starting with speech, language should be learnt and the ultimate aim should be reading with comprehension. Only then a person will be able to use English as a library language. - English is, therefore, an important language and it must be studied. Prof Gokak has rightly observed that “it was in the English classroom that the Indian library renaissance was born.” A few words from Kothari Education Commission Report are worth quoting, “English as an important library language would play a vital role in higher education. No student should be considered qualified for a degree, in particular, a Master’s degree unless, he has acquired a reasonable proficiency in English. “So it is a decided fact that English is an important library language. If some people say that it is a difficult language and hence cannot be taught well in the country, it is their weakness. As a teacher of English, I am of the opinion that English can be taught and it should be taught as living language in the country. If all teachers of English determine and fight against the bad situations, there is no reason why they will not be able to succeed in this direction. The newly evolved approaches may be made use of and by applying sincere and honest efforts, the English language can be taught as it should be taught for its success and bright future in the country.
