Back to: Teaching of English, MA Notes, Be d Notes, Graduation Notes
What are the challenges of language learning process
As we all know, language is a means of communication which leads to the exchange and interchange of ideas and thoughts without which no progress in any field is possible. A strong resentment toward English language and its usage in the Indian situation was quite appropriate at that junction when India was totally in a chaotic state of affairs before and immediately after independence (social unrest, political instability, economic degradation, poverty etc).
Moreover, there are many languages used in different states of India. This could be one of the reasons for the language problem for everyone loves one’s mother tongue/regional language. So based on recommendations given by UNESCO, a three-language formula was adopted in the Indian situation. UNESCO had recommended a three-dimensional language formula consisting of L1, L2 and L3 so that L1 would be the Mother tongue/Regional language taught to achieve personal identity psychologically and pedagogically; L2 would be the National language-Hindi or Urdu to establish National unity; and L3 would be the English language to achieve International recognition and thus a global identity.
According to the Kothari Education Commission Report (1964-66) about the language policy in our country, only the mother tongue or the regional language should be taught to the children studying from class I to class IV. Then, from class V to class VIi, two languages should be taught i.e. regional language and Hindi or English.
Three languages are taught from class VII to class IX i.e. regional language and other two being Hindi and English.
Thus, the tangle of language problem was solved and the study of English was not to be thrust upon the students. Those who aspire to its study may start learning it in class V; others who just want to have elementary knowledge of it can start their study in class VII.
Thus, the first category of students will be able to study English for six years and the second group of learners will study English for three years only.
The students can study the language of their choice at higher levels. Those who are deeply in love with English will continue its study at the college level. They can take up studies related to English literature for Graduate or Post Graduate Degrees. Students who happen to be science students will at least have to study general English because they have to learn each of their related subjects in English medium only. Thus, it will not be a burden for anyone. English is introduced differently in different states of India, e.g.:
In Punjab, Haryana & J&K, the study of English is introduced in class VI. In Himachal Pradesh, the students start English in class IV only whereas in Gujarat it is delayed until class 8th. However, the NPE (1992) periodically reviews the position of three language studies in various Indian states.
