Importance of English Language in

Pakistan
INTRODUCTION
anguage is the proper and systematic way of communication between

L individuals. It is the tool, with which he conducts his business in the

society. It is a vehicle, by which different subject matters are transmitted. A
person must know something of the structure of his language, its position in
the world and its relation to other tongues. A language lives in a society so
long as people speak it and use it as their native tongue. A language is important
because the people who speak it are important politically, socially,
commercially, economically and culturally. Importance of English language is
doubtlessly great. It is spoken by more than Three-hundred-forty (340) million
people as a first language in United Kingdom and the United States. The better the
focus on language the more civilized people become. Every language represents
a complete different background of people, culture, ethnicity or region.
Similarly English language has progressed to such an extent that it is the most
widely understood language in the world with French as the runner up. English is
widely used as an international language throughout the world. It is one of the
official languages, even in most of the countries of the third world. It is also used
for international communication.English is the highly developed language which
has the ability to express ideas and it is the means of revelation
of modern civilization.
Importance of English language is due to its international use. It is a fact that a vast
knowledge of the universe has been demonstrated in this language. For the
achievement of that knowledge, it is essential to understand this international
language. We may assume that it shares with the other highly developed languages
of Europe the ability to express the multiplicity of ideas and the refinement of
thoughts that demand expression in our modern civilization. In this modern age
when electronic media has widely spread all over the world, it is necessary to have
the knowledge of this language because it is the medium of communication and a
person, lacking the knowledge of this language cant get awareness of the universal
knowledge. As it is obvious that the universal exploration is mostly revealed in this
language, so its worth cant be descended.
It is the age of scientific advancement and mechanical approach, the subject matter
of which is demonstrated in English language, so it is an essential necessity of the
people to learn this language. English has proved itself, as a torch-bearing to the
nations of the third world. It is contemplated as the means of ascending knowledge.
On the other hand, English has been the part of our nations history from the
beginning .Clearly we cannot deny its importance in our life. Over the
years, English language has become one of our principal assets in getting a global
leadership. English language is one tool to establish our viewpoint. We can learn
from others experience. We can check the theories of foreigners against our
experience. We can reject the untenable and accept the tenable. We can also
propagate our theories among the international audience and readers. We can make
use of English to promote our worldview and spiritual heritage throughout the
globe. Yes, other languages are important too, but not for the same reasons
as English are important. English is important because it is, maybe, the only
language that truly links the whole world together. If not for English, the whole
world may not be as united as it is today. The other languages may be important
for their local values and culture.
ENGLISH AND SUBCONTINENT:
British came in sub-continent for trade but ultimately invaded it. Muslims opposed
them but Hindus favored them. Hindus got the English education whereas Muslims
due to hatred feelings for British did not learnEnglish. Hindus took benefit of it and
came closer to the British due to convenience in communication. It was also clear
in history that ignoring the leading language would prove harmful to us so it is
now.

SIR SYED AND ENGLISH:

Leaders like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a vital role for the development
of English in subcontinent especially for Muslims. He emphasized on the
importance of learning English language to have better communication with the
British because they were the ruling nation. He published bi-lingual newspaper
inEnglish and Urdu and also made arrangements for Muslims to get scientific
knowledge in English. That was the time when English language started spreading
in sub-continent and grew its roots stronger and stronger. Sir Syed never
emphasized on turning culture and changing norms of our society but simply said
that learningEnglish would prove beneficial. This was right afterwards.
DISCUSSION

Significance of English:No one can deny the importance of English

in modern world. Its importance is not confined to professionals
and students solely but it is also very important for common
people even house wives. It is due to the great importance of this
international language that our government make it compulsory
subject in the course of students. Besides its academic importance
a person is characterized as illiterate who cant speak English
well.English is the international language as one can find people
who understand that language in all parts of the world. It is also
the language of internet and international media. Although Urdu
is the official language of Pakistan but English is the language
which is formally used in all private and government officials.Skill
of English language helps students in finding a high quality job. In
business life the most important common language is obviously
English. In addition to this, especially high-quality jobs need good
understanding ability and speaking skills in English. Therefore
companies can easily open out to other countries and these
companies generally employee graduates whose English is fluent
and orderly. For example, a student, who is graduated from a
university which takes English as a major language will find a
better and high-quality job than other students who dont know
English adequately. In other words, the student who knows
English will be more efficient in his job because he can use the
information from foreign sources and web sites. He can prepare
his assignments and tasks with the help of this information. In
addition many high quality jobs are related with international
communication and world wide data sharing. People working in
an international company have to know English in order to
communicate with foreign workers.English is the International
Language and is one of the most popular and most spoken in the
technology world. The latest and the most advanced discoveries
and inventions in science and technology are being made in the
universities located in the United States of America where English
language is the means of scientific discourse. We need to know
English language in order to study any science subject or any
computer language. It is said that China is developing its own
resources in the fields of science and technology without learning
any foreign language including English. But foreign countries put
blame on it that all such formulas had been stolen by it and these
are not Chinas own inventions. So without understanding the
foreign science that is in English language, China prefers to copy
out the things. But now we can see that china is also trying to
learn English as a secondary language in its country.For many
journalists today, English is the main language used for
newspapers or magazines, radio, television or the internet. A
journalist has to take interviews from foreign leaders on their visit
to Pakistan or if that journalist has to take interviews from them
by going abroad himself; for this purpose, English is a great
necessity to be known by journalists. Radio has become quite
famous among youngsters. They used to listen to channels that are
entertaining as well as educating mediums. FM 91 and FM 89 are
well known radio channels in Pakistan which allow many of their
programs to be on air in English. So, radio and TV channels
welcome preferably those people, who can write and speak
English very well.It is quite clear that English has become a
necessity today. We need it in different fields of life. Thats why it
has become easier to learn more than ever before with the
availability of many sources to help people learn very easily. Such
as the Internet, books and educational institutes which spread
around the world.DISADVANTAGES OF NOT HAVING
ENGLISH IN SOCIETY:

We belong to a developing country and it is the fact that the ruling

language is always of developed countries.so for the development and progress in
every field of world we must follow the ruling language.in the absence of this
thinking; we can never explore this world truly. This is the reason that societies
where themodern language is not being followed remains cutoff from the
progressing world. Similarly the person having no command on English language
faces too many problems at every step of his life. For example at school level a
student cannot compete with his fellow students who are well in English or doing
O'level and A'level. Same is the case in colleges and universities where most of the
work you have to do or submit is inEnglish. And in an environment like this only
those can excel who have better skills in English Language. The story does not end
here the real problem starts from here when you are in field and about to find out a
job. In a society like ours where the language English is being treated as a special
language since last few decades.
Even our personality evaluation totally depends on our listening, writing and
spoken English skills, the better we are the more we excel. So we can conclude that
job opportunities are for those who are better in all these aspects. So, your general
knowledge and practical skills are not as much important as your command
overEnglish. Same is the case with abroad settled non-English people who find
great difficulty in living and communicating there. so, to avoid all these problems
people from the very beginning are trying to admit their children
in English medium schools where they pay heavy fees just to excel in this standard.
That is why the poor people are still very far away from this language in our
society and facing so many problems to move in society.
All advanced knowledge in science, technology and medicine
is available in English. The results of the latest researches come to India through
the medium of English. If we give up English, we will lag behind in the higher
fields of study. Today the world has become one family.
Comparison with other countries
INDIA
English is important for a number of reasons in a country like India because it is a
land of diversity. Different people speak different languages. A person of Tamil
Nadu does not speak Hindi. So he can't understand Hindi of a person from North
India. However he can understand in English.
So English is a link language. Different people can communicate with one another
with the help of English. Secondly, all advanced knowledge in science, technology
and medicine is available in English. The results of the latest researches come to
India through the medium of English. If we give up English, we will lag behind in
the higher fields of study. Today the world has become one family.
It is all due to English. English is an international language. English is the
language of the Constitution, the Supreme Court, the High Courts and official
departments. English is now firmly rooted in the soil of India. It has become a part
of Indian life. Thus English has great importance for the integrity of India. It has to
be second language in our country for the better development of the country.
As per the data published by the 2011 census India has managed to achieve an
effective literacy rate of 74.04 per cent in 2011. In the 2001 census the country's
literacy rate stood at 64.8 percent.
CHINA
Due to its increasing population, the People Republic of China is currently an
important provider of labor force, as well as technology. The need for international
acceptance is not so easy to satisfy; this is the main reason why English is one of
the most important foreign languages taught in China. The estimation is that the
Chinese willing to learn English are more numerous than the actual English native
speakers. This is why the chance of teaching English in China constitutes a viable
option for many teachers. Jobs in China have begun to flourish particularly since
business English has become a generally accepted language and, thus, a language
needed in international transactions. The opportunity to teach English in China,
thus, sounds more likable to latest alumnae.

Literacy rate defined as knowledge of 1,500 Chinese characters in rural locations

and 2,000 characters in urban areas.
Before the Communist party took power in 1949, about 80% of Chinas population
was illiterate. Enrollment rate was below 20% for elementary school and about 6%
of junior secondary school.
By 2008, adult illiteracy rate in China dropped to only 3.58%. Elementary school
and junior secondary school enrollment jumped to 99.5% and 98.5% respectively.
Today, Chinese youth (15-24 years) have a 99% literacy rate.
[UNICEF, 2004-2008 data]
BANGLADESH
On the one hand English language is dominantly present in every side of our
national life while on the other hand in Banglas constitution it is clearly declared
that the language of the country is Bangla. In fact, nothing is said about the status
of English language in Banglas constitution. On one hand, economic activities in
the private companies are carried out in English while there is a government law
(Bangla Procholon ain1987) that government offices must use Bangla in their
official works. So from the government point of view Bangla is the national-
official language of Bangladesh and English is the most important foreign
language. But in reality English is the second language of the country and in many
places English is more important than Bangla in Bangladesh.
Literacy Situation
At National level
5 years and over
57.53
Sub division-Rural
5 years and over
Can write a letter for communication (Literate) 54.19
Sub division-Urban
5 years and over
Can write a letter for communication (Literate) 68.40
 Conclusion:-
Pakistan got independent 64 years ago but people are still dependent on
their so called norms which are a great obstacle in the progress of every field. Our
system of society has forced the living of here to stay in darkness of illiteracy.
Pakistans educational system especially in governmental sector focuses on
grammar (tenses, parts of speech, pair of words etc.) from 3 or 4 standard till
masters degree. Though all above mentioned syllabus is very important but we
should also improve our vocabulary as well as accent. Limited vocabulary may
devaluate a person a many places and our even highly qualified students cant get
what English people say.
Now days, English makes a personality strong although it becomes an essential
part in every field of life. We take an example of our film industry where they even
cant understand a single word moreover cant pronounce a single word in a proper
way like meera even know the meaning of paparazzi photographers. Once she said
government appointed her as an ambassador of Canada but she even dont know
Canada never have an ambassador from showbiz. It shows that our studies system
is not up to mark and we dont know the history as well as current status of
developed countries.
Another issue was highlighted by Pakistani media that Aitzaz Ahsan (senior lawyer
of Supreme Court) submitted a petition in Supreme Court in which he did a lot of
grammar and spelling mistakes which shows the standard of English language in
Pakistan even at this high level. Many sectors of Pakistan for Instance business
class, media are trying to improve their standard to qualify for job

Solution is always better than a conclusion:-

We should remove the remedies rather than criticize them.
The matter of fact is we should have to improve our spoken skills.
We should improve our school system,
English language must be compulsory in every school.
We must improve our living standard because children spend 12 to 14 hours at
their home.
Focusing on child education at the grass root level will help more effectively.
Adopt English as a language but not English culture as a trait