Language.
Here is a 'controversial' blog. But its just what I feel.
So, language is a way to communicate. Thats it. Period. It does not matter if it is grammatically correct or not. And yet, English is the chosen language the world prefers to do business in. You don't really have a choice to not learn English. Especially if you are from one of the countries that provide services to the developed nations.
Lack of formal education in English can cause a lot of diffidence, especially when in a situation demands strong language skills. This in turn, leads to the tendency to avoid such situations.
I honestly feel that, while your mother tongue is your own language and you ought to know it, (I am pathetic when it comes to mine, and frankly, I am okay with it). I live in a city where people are super-proud of the language. And yet, I have done just fine. I can communicate, I speak that language at home all the time. I may not read the newspaper in that language, or even books, but that has not come in the way of my career or life in general. But I dread to even think how it would be, if I were not fluent in English (I do not claim to be a master here either ;), so don't go picking on my mistakes). But, I am glad, English was not an hurdle that I had to cross in my adult life...
Chana Chaat - spicy, tangy protein-rich salad
8 years ago
6 comments:
I agree with what you say but here are some thought from my collegue (from customer support) with whome i had a similar discussion some time back -
"A language is only a means of communication. If that were not the case the Chinese, the Germans, the French would have made no progress. It is all about confidence. He said in the beginning when he was struggling with understanding and speaking in the American accent he would feel less confident and would accept whatever the customer said just because he was not sure he would be able to explain it to the american guy. After some time he talked to some CS guys in France and said they could hardly speak but they were super confident and knew what they were saying even though they spoke gramattically incorrect and with a lot of boring pauses. So the point is it is because we in India have been taught that the guy there is good because he speaks English and that boy there is a 'ghaati' cause he cannot speak english. "
Coming back to what i think - I feel a person should know as many languages as possible. Each language be it English, Hindi, Marathi or Chinese opens up a whole new world of knowledge and literature.
Anu, I agree with your friend regarding the built in prejudices. We have these prejudices and we pass them along ..
And I also agree about learning a number of languages. The more the merrier. In fact, I plan to teach Avani at least one more language, since she seems to have the flair.
-Ketaki
I agree with Anu's friend and would even say that you may have over-rated the importance of learning English... I think it is the attitude and level of confidence that matters the most. A language is something you can easily pick up - a new attitude/outlook - not so easy to pick up.... I have seen sooo many Indians that don't speak English very well but do just fine professionally and otherwise just because of their attitude. I think it is Indians who tend to judge other Indians based on their English speaking skills.... not always the right thing to do! (I know you are not judging anyone :-) this is just a random thought)
Anuja: Agreed about not judging people. Its just not done. Its like judging someone based on how much money they have.. or their looks.
But, at the same time, don't you think that in case of people who are a little under-confident, this can add to the lack of confidence..
How many times do you see people who avoid conversing in English, just because they are not used to it, or think that they might be grammatically incorrect, when the reality is that their grammar is very solid. My mom was one such person. She had superb English, with an amazing vocabulary and a voracious reader. She actually went to an English class right after I was born. Her teacher, after about half an hour, commented that her English was better than his own. To which she replied, she wanted someone to just talk to her in English.. so that she would be forced to reply back in English. I think this is fairly common and I think there are many people who are in this boat. You know that they are good.. but they lack the confidence, because they have never used it much
I think my main pain point is, do you really have a choice not to learn English? Esp in the professions that we are in?
If you are one of these under-confident people - not being able to speak in English adds to your problems.. but if you are an under-confident person you have bigger challenges to deal with than 'learning English as an adult'.
Yes, thats what I am saying, there are other things you need to deal with, and this only compounds the problem. I have several examples of people who have told me how they would love to be able to converse in English, but are just too scared to do so.
If you are okay with learning and accept the hurdles in the way, then only the sky is your limit. But, if not, then this hurdle can get in the way, even if it is a minute one.
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