The Dual Role of English in India

Hey Readers,

This blog is in reference to a research paper by E.ANNAMALAI “Satan and Saraswati: The Double Face of English in India”.

English plays a dual role in India. It has advantages as well as disadvantages. Though Hindi is our National language, mostly people use English as a medium of communication.

English can be seen as: -

1.) Satan ( God of Evil) – Shortcomings

2.) Saraswati ( God of Knowledge) – Positive aspects

English as Satan:-

Ø As English is not taught from the primary level of education, day-to-day communication is a bit difficult.

Ø It is the language of need. So many people are not willing to learn the language, but they have to as a need of time.

Ø Due our cultural limitations, we are not able to express our ideas or feelings in English.

Ø The number of students learning English has increased but their level of competence has decreased.

Ø English is used as a matter of style. It is not taken seriously as language. For example: - the short forms used nowadays “I’m f9”, “asap”, “omg” etc.

Ø Those who don’t know English are looked down and they don’t exist for the world.

Ø We all speak English, but at what accurate level that remains a puzzle.

These were some of the drawbacks of this language. Earlier acceptance of this language was opposed out of rage against Britishers, but now it has become a global language. As every coin has two sides, there are many positive sides also.

English as Saraswati: -

Ø India is one of the nations where English is used widely as a language of knowledge, law, legal affairs, education, trade etc.

Ø India has a beautiful cultural heritage. It is popular worldwide due to English language.

Ø It has opened up many windows for us.

Ø India is a diverse country. English acts as a ‘link’ language.

Before independence it was believed that there is no economic progress in India as the English people were in power. After independence it is believed that there is no economic progress without English language in power. Britishers had come with a different plan in reference to the use of English language, but after their farewell we can observe how we are progressing.

Conclusion: -

English has a dual personality in India. On one hand, English is rejected in public as a symbol of national oppression and on other hand it is accepted in private or as an instrument of personal advancement. It seems that English is neither completely accepted nor rejected. If it is accepted then what is the level of accuracy?

Open for your opinions and suggestions.

Thank You.....

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