03-27-2007, 10:29 PM
According to Media report a disturbing trend regarding Return of English at the expense of propagation of our national language has been observed in almost all of the States. It is also likely to affect the future development of regional languages.
The reports indicate that in virtually every state in the country, English is being introduced at an earlier stage in regional language schools-a sign that English has many takers than before, cutting across linguistic and geographical barriers.
In Andhra Pradesh, English used to be introduced from Class II. Now it is to be introduced from Class I. In Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Rajasthan, English has been introduced in Class I from 2006-7 again by popular demand. In Bihar, English was introduced from Class III, four years ago: Now there is a move to introduce it from Class âI. Neighboring UP has also lowered the bar from Class VI to III.
In some States, introduction of English has been fiercely opposed by political groups, but the language is still taught on the insistence of the parents in an unofficial manner. In Gujarat, for instance, English is introduced in regional language schools only from Class â V. However, of late they have introduced the subject as value addition from Class I, -during a zero period after school hours.
Statistics show that English is still not the number one medium of instruction; in fact, some of the States do not have a count of the number of students enrolled in English medium schools. However, data from District Information System for Education of the HRD Ministry suggests that the gap may be narrowing. Many States have seen a dramatic growth in student enrollment in English medium schools as compared to regional language schools, which have forced many States like Maharashtra to start purely English medium schools.
The above development, whatever may be the cause , will have profound social and cultural consequences in the years to come.
The reports indicate that in virtually every state in the country, English is being introduced at an earlier stage in regional language schools-a sign that English has many takers than before, cutting across linguistic and geographical barriers.
In Andhra Pradesh, English used to be introduced from Class II. Now it is to be introduced from Class I. In Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Rajasthan, English has been introduced in Class I from 2006-7 again by popular demand. In Bihar, English was introduced from Class III, four years ago: Now there is a move to introduce it from Class âI. Neighboring UP has also lowered the bar from Class VI to III.
In some States, introduction of English has been fiercely opposed by political groups, but the language is still taught on the insistence of the parents in an unofficial manner. In Gujarat, for instance, English is introduced in regional language schools only from Class â V. However, of late they have introduced the subject as value addition from Class I, -during a zero period after school hours.
Statistics show that English is still not the number one medium of instruction; in fact, some of the States do not have a count of the number of students enrolled in English medium schools. However, data from District Information System for Education of the HRD Ministry suggests that the gap may be narrowing. Many States have seen a dramatic growth in student enrollment in English medium schools as compared to regional language schools, which have forced many States like Maharashtra to start purely English medium schools.
The above development, whatever may be the cause , will have profound social and cultural consequences in the years to come.