Research in English Language Learning in India
Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of English Language Learning in India
by Rakhsheena Baig*, Dr. Mandvi Singh,
- Published in Journal of Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, E-ISSN: 2230-7540
Volume 16, Issue No. 1, Jan 2019, Pages 2049 - 2055 (7)
Published by: Ignited Minds Journals
ABSTRACT
In India, English language instruction is extensive and complicated. During the present and previous decades, research in schools and higher education reflects perceived reality and idealism, and it justifies addressing the requirements of the new century. Language policy and the role and place of English language in education, multilingualism in school education, language curriculum design, materials in English language teaching, methods and processes of English language teaching, and how English language classrooms operate in various Indian contexts are all covered in this review of research. Research on different literacy development and language skills, English language teaching at the university level and English for specific purposes, particularly English for Engineering education, use of ICT in English language teaching, language teacher professional development, and teaching young learners are also reviewed to see how research has progressed over the last decade. To fulfil the needs of higher education and the job market, there is a desire for a change to communication-oriented procedures such as communicative methods and task-based language instruction, especially at the graduate level. Research also reveals the limitations of English language education in terms of the English language environment in the classroom, instructors, and resources, resulting in a wide range of inequalities in English language delivery in the classroom. In conclusion, study results support the implementation of a linguistic strategy that is both harmonic and cognitively sound. The study results suggest a policy that asks for an engaging curriculum and resources that encourage learner contact with the English language and learner-learner interaction in the classroom. This should be accomplished with the help of ongoing teacher professional development and learner-friendly assessment.
KEYWORD
English language learning, India, language policy, multilingualism, language curriculum design, English language teaching, ICT, language teacher professional development, communication-oriented procedures, learner-learner interaction
INTRODUCTION
Language is a wonderful custodian of the past experiences and knowledge that transforms the next generation. Language helps to trust the past and create the future in terms of the present. One learns to think, feel, judge by words, idioms and language syntax, by helping and within the constraints that are placed upon oneself. The deaths may participate in the teaching of the living by means of language and the transformation of the human being into a historical person. Language is a successful instrument. In general, intellectual growth, linguistic development is essential. The world-ruling English language is India's second violin, producing powerful and thoughtful notes of illumination.
Use of Polymeric Waste Materials in Concrete for Pavement
English is seen as both a means of participation in national elite and symbolic of it. It is seen as the method by which the country's economic well-being may be improved or sophisticated technologies can be accessed. It is due to the social acceptability and value that English is regarded to be a language with the magic wand which helps people dance to his song, crossing cultural - ideological boundaries. English deserves to be considered a global language among all the languages in the world now. English, while a language suited to our nation has profound cultural origins and is now part of both the intellectual and emotional make-up of the educated.
LANGUAGE - VEHICLE OF HUMAN CULTURE
The Latin word 'lingua' has been defined as the etymology of the phrase 'language.' In its functional and pragmatic application, language may be characterized as using conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures or markings with understanding of meanings as a systematic way of conveying ideas or emotions. Sapir's remarks (1921) provide us one of the finest definitions of language: 'The language,' via a system of voluntary symbols, is a completely human and bodies.' "Language is a system of customary spoken or written symbols through which people interact as members of a social group and as participants in their culture" - British Encyclopedia. Language learning involves conscious and conscious effort and consists of meaningful models, which make the group aware of each other. As a group-specific language, it has not just a common social environment, but a common cultural foundation. Language plays a vital role in the transaction of knowledge in the teaching process, in so far as it states that it is not possible to learn or learn without learning a language, and it is therefore always the first subject that the child learns is merely the language, the language of the mother, and the community at work. Therefore, an interconnected connection between language learning and interactive education transactions is essential. Therefore, it is important noting that education is a social process that strives for social satisfaction. In this respect language and education are twin, functional and ultimate achievement in their lofty goals. - Process of socializing.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
English is a member of the Indo-European language family's Germanic branch. The major reasons for English's expansion throughout the globe were British colonialism in the 19th century, American capitalism and technical development in the 20th century. "The education must offer the chance for self-fulfillment, at most it can present the person with a rich and difficult environment for himself to explore," says Noam Chomsky. "English is the language that the sun does not set on, whose users never sleep," Randolph Quirk and Widdowson comment (cited by Krishnaswamy and Lalitha Krishnaswamy, 2008). Intellectuals have been studying English for more than a century and a half. The first three decades of the nineteenth century marked the commencement of English education in India. In the years after Macaulay's Education Minutes in India, English studies have strengthened. As the education politics of Macaulay were implemented, India as a whole was overwhelmed with a social, cultural and literary renaissance. English was adapted as India's national language, and regional languages were revived. "English has official statuses or special status in at least 75 nations with a population of over two billion, according to data carried out by the British Council. English is spoken by approximately 375 million as a mother tongue and another 375 million people million individuals are foreign language English. One in four of the global population speaks English with a certain degree of expertise and demand is growing from the other three quarter." English is in progress and plays an important part in India's national life and education system, in the face of every oddness promoted by a number of greedy individuals that should be removed from our country. The fact that the global information is consecrated in English is extremely significant as regards English as a global language. English is learned and used worldwide, not out of any taxes, but because it has certain intrinsic benefits. And English is no longer only the language of Britain, but the world needs it to be understood more.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING - A GLOBAL NEED
A debate over English's role in India started with independence. It has been favored by Rajagopalachari and few others. But nationalists ardently supported English with English men leaving India. True, Mahatma Gandhi stated, "English can never be our national language or teaching medium. It must not be permitted to violate its position." But he also said, "I don't want to forget this language, nor want other Indians to abandon or forget that English is a global language." As a preface to the recommendation that English be given place in Hindi's center and to regional languages in different regions for all communicating purposes, but remain as a second language compulsory, for educational purposes and for others like this, the report of the first official language commission (1956) paid a glowing tribute to English. This issue of linguistic learning is addressed by the Central Advisory Board of Education (1956) and developed the three-language format. According to this formula, the regional Hindu and English language at schools at different levels for different educational goals was to be included in school (New Education Policy of 1986). The three-language formula is still used across the country in the area of English education, as outlined in the new policy, at the national level. Due to India's multi-lingual nature, at least functional knowledge of the regional language, Hindi and English is in the interest of every educated Indian. Two language formulas are used in Tamilnadu and taught from grade I in state schools as obligatory second language. It is the teaching medium used in Tamilnadu in private schools. In Tamilnadu many parents prefer to send their barracks to medium-sized English schools. They prefer to hear their kids speak in English. However,
transactions even after learning English for around 10 years. Example: create an arrangement, call individuals, declare their identification without frequent communication failures".
ROLE OF ENGLISH IN THE PRESENT-DAY INDIA
In every society's culture, language is an important part. We live in a community and the primary significance of our life in a community is the language. As Leonard Bloomfield puts it, "The community is created by the language activity, and speech expressions provide us with the most direct view into its functioning." Language is a tool for understanding and enhancing the human society's culture, and we need to know its language properly to comprehend it. When England came to rule India it is not clear if it was they who wanted to understand the value of Indian languages as medium for learning and appreciating Indian culture. They had to spend a great deal on clergy because they had to hire British clerks. Lord Macaulay was thinking of teaching English mostly to Indians for low hire. The English people used this type of outsourcing over three hundred years ago. English has now become a part of the Indians. It has become an essential language. India is a nation under development. The benefit of this global language could not be lost by any advanced country. In our struggle for independence, English played a significant part. Since India is a country with various languages, freedom warriors appear to be united for a national purpose. Once again, though, English was the sole unification role of Kashmir to Kanyakumari for the liberation warriors. When we measure the benefits of English and English and India, it is clearly believed that India has the advantage of English. And to claim that India is bonded to English is no exaggeration. In India, English is a court language. The sole appropriate language is English not just in the Supreme Court, but also in the High Courts and District Courts. In Tamil Nadu, lawyers struggle to make Tamil the court language. The effort to translate the judicial sentences into Tamil is, we say, "poor translation of excellent literature is a crime." This will sometimes make you stupid. However, certain recent modifications in the wording of the Court have been made English is utilized in India for worldwide commerce and industrial applications. Most worldwide commercial operations are carried out using the US dollar. This pushes Indian merchants to use English to communicate with their businesses. However, with the decline in US dollar value against Indian rupee, commercial transactions from American dollars to and in an English language, Brexit (Britain Exit) from the EU has been made volatile. The remaining 27 European Union nations stated that they did not utilize English in their official and commercial circumstances as the language of communication. In pre-Brexit era, the English language had its distinctive impact in European Union, both in the US dollar and in European euro, and in international commerce and industry, the English language did not lose its desired position. Now, in the setting of the European Union which manages officials and businesses without English, it is of vital significance. The desired location that English plays is certainly being disturbed if the European Union can run its transaction without becoming English. We must wait and see if this is harmful without English to the European Union. If Europe can resist their business without English, then Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru's statements are refuted, since he did not want to replace English with any Indian language for the potential harm. In our school system, English plays a very important function. In virtually every nation, it is taught as a required topic. It is tough for many pupils to get pass marks in English. English is still a topic of constant obligation in India. It provides education in schools of technology, medicine and law. Every PG course is exclusively conducted in English. "Mother language holds a prominent status as the medium of schooling and university training," stated the Kotari Commission (1966). In addition, the educational media should usually be the same in school and in higher education. Therefore, in the higher level, regional language should be chosen as the educational medium." While various voices have played a key role in promoting regional languages, the significance of English in Indian is not diminishing. Many regional English institutes have begun training English instructors because of the significance of English. In the national life and education system of the country, English is the main language. English's contribution to the development of medical, science and technological knowledge is so significant that we can comply with worldwide norms in these areas. English has given us the many advancements in the globe and has helped us comprehend the global situation correctly. English's significance in India is now greater than before the British decision.
English as a National Link Language
English and the British rulers arrived to India. English were hoping that after independence, Indians would likewise flee the coasts with the British departing India. It wasn't, though. It is now more important than ever. It is still more important. This popular location for English in India has several reasons. English is one of the world's richest and sophisticated research in the globe is conducted in English, and the remainder gets translated into English promptly. India, being a country of numerous languages, needs a common language in which people from different states communicate. India should have a pleasant connection, as a democratic nation, between the center and States for the country's growth. While the Hindi is our national language, we cannot proclaim the Hindi one for inter- or center-state contact as the sole official language in the country. Mostly because Hindi isn't spoken or understood by a number of countries in India. This issue cannot be solved by any other Indian language. So, to address this vacuum, we need English. Even some countries have tried to establish their languages as the official language, but cannot succeed. And for over 150 years, in our nation, we have followed English as an official language. It's a huge issue if more languages are excellent and we get the linguistic identity spread. In most instances, the regional identity of individuals living in other languages will be quite harmful. Whenever there is a debate over the release of Cauvery water, the worst scenario in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu arises. Only via political and official discussions can plausible solutions be reached. What we cannot do by force may be accomplished by speech. English has therefore played an efficient linguistic function, ensuring that the two countries have a proper connection. It is only one example and amongst neighboring states in India the same worrisome scenario prevails, if not for water, then for some other cause. Therefore, English continue to be an official language for any friendly solution to any kind of cross-state issue, and it should still be an official language till there is no time limit on the horizon. English has served both internationally and nationally as a connection language. English is a tool for our interaction with the outside world at worldwide level. The International Importance of English "English is guaranteed to maintain significant position as a connection with the West. Prof. Ish Kumar states. Even if feasible, we can't afford to remain secluded. Nowadays, no nation can exist in isolation. The globe must be linked politically, economically, and culturally. We have a significant debt to and have been teaching the English language for over a century and a half. Therefore, for international affairs and politics and primarily for interaction with Western thinking and cultures, we have to rely on English." Indian countries have distinct regional languages spoken at the national level. It may be startling to discover that in India there are over 1500 languages. Many languages may not have their own scripts, though. Various states are governed by various Chief friendly settlement. And English is a language that is prevalent. The southern states strongly resisted the imposition of Hindi as the sole official language. In Tamil Nadu, tooth and nail were particularly resisted. The Official Languages Law of 1963 promulgated many protests which led Parliament to adopt English for a period of time. In the interstate communication and communication between the States and the Centre, English is an official Associated langue. The first Prime Minister Nehru promised the people of the southern states that the official language of English was continued until the South accepted Hindi as the sole official language. The official language would be English. Jawaharlal Nehru could be quoted here: "When you speak English, will Hindi take its place completely? I hope that's going to be. It will, I'm sure. However, I want to prevent the risk of pushing away a uniting element without a completely substituted uniting component. In this case, a gap, a hiatus, will occur. Any such gap or pause should at all costs be avoided. In the sake of national unity, it is extremely important to do this. This leads me to the conclusion that in the foreseeable future English probably has a significant role.
English as an International Link Language
With its widespread use, English has transcended all geographical barriers to become a global language. Almost every country in the world has made English one of the primary languages of teaching in schools and universities. The United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and Australia all speak it as their first language. English is spoken as a second language in several European and African nations. Pakistan, Ceylon, and Bangladesh all use English as a second language in their daily lives and educational institutions. Even China and Japan, who had previously been hesitant to allow English into their nations, have begun to value the language. Thanks to the invention of computers, we now have access to a wealth of information. By the end of 2008, Bharathidasan University expected to accept 1000 Chinese students, according to Vice-chancellor Dr. Pannavaiko. These students consider India to be a preferred location for higher study, citing the chances to improve their English communication skills as a major benefit. It bears witness to English's global appeal. English is used in news articles all around the globe. English is used as a medium of communication by more than half of the world's newspapers, more than
and more than 60% of the world's radio stations. This alone is sufficient evidence that English is a global language. There is no other language that has the same level of popularity as English. In international interactions, English is very important. More than half of the world's population prefers to communicate in English. The people of Nagaland adopted English as their mother language even in India. English aids in the formation of international relationships. It is also a source of improved understanding between various countries across the globe.
RATIONALE FOR LEARNING ENGLISH
With the introduction of computers and the internet, the whole globe has become a village. People often travel from one location to another for a variety of reasons. This makes it easier to learn about different nations' cultures. This facility is not available to the general public. This necessitates the use of a second language. English is a tool that allows us to study a wide range of topics from across the globe. Learners study English as a second language for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the reasons why you should learn English. • Gain firsthand knowledge of other nations' cultures. • Other cultures' peculiarities, such as festivals and family gatherings • Studying other nations' fashion and lifestyles via films • Understanding of how the language works. • Keeping in touch with family members • Having conversations with friends • Participating in cultural and sporting exchanges • Why Learning English makes traveling and studying in other countries easier. • Making it simpler to interact with individuals from different nations • Developing abilities in dealing with people from other cultures • New information and concepts have been acquired. • English contributes to the development of our mother tongue abilities. may be very beneficial both socially and individually. It opens the path for individuals and the nation to benefit from a variety of possibilities. Learning English offers up possibilities for employment and travel, as well as ensuring one's personal identity. Learning about different cultures allows us to better understand and appreciate our own. The reason for learning English as a second language is to get a greater understanding of our country's social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
In India, teaching English as a second language should strive for international intelligibility, which may be achieved by eliminating regional differences in pronunciation, accent, and syntax, as well as a genuine commitment to grammatical accuracy. The habits that one has previously learned along with the acquisition of one's language remain and act as a barrier to learning a completely new set of speech patterns when learning a second language in India. As a result, one must bear in mind that each language has its own system, and that while learning a second or foreign language, one must adhere to the language's system. English, like any other Indian language, is an integral component of the Indian linguistic landscape. English as a second language is highly regarded and plays an important part in the nation's educational and economic life. It is referred to be a second language since it has become an integral part of our national and sociocultural landscape. It has also become an inextricable component of the intellectual and emotional makeup of educated individuals. Learning English is now required not just for political reasons, but also for scientific and technical reasons. It is the language that the world needs in order to communicate more effectively; ―it is the most international of languages.‖
PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING ENGLISH
Learning a second language is a tough job that requires a significant amount of work on the part of both the student and the instructor. As a result, language instruction should be founded on certain solid concepts that instructors may use to assist students toward achieving educational goals and objectives. On the basis of psychological, linguistic, and pedagogical foundations, many teaching concepts have been developed. The following are some of the most fundamental teaching concepts:
1. Habit Formation and the Role of Teacher
Learning a language requires continuous practice and application. Learning a mother language is a habit just as much as learning English. The main distinction is that, while mother tongue is learned the kid when learning his or her mother tongue. As a result, the formation of habits is the first general concept of teaching-learning. When completely established, a habit is renowned for its ease and convenience, precision, and speed of action. It is the English teacher's holy responsibility to assist students in developing language habits in order to achieve competence in speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, and articulation. The concept of habit formation is so widespread in English learning that it encompasses all of the ideas that follow it.
2. Accuracy and Correction
A student's accuracy will allow them to utilize the precise and right terms. The pupils' brains will operate in an exact selection of the appropriate words that fit into the contextual slot, and they will utilize as many words as are absolutely necessary. The logical consequence of accuracy is correctness, which encompasses correctness of speech, intonation, spellings, and structures.
3. Selection and Gradation
Before beginning the teaching process and in order to accomplish predetermined language objectives, the teacher must choose suitable teaching material. From the pupils' perspective, the content should be psychologically graded. The instructional materials are properly categorized and organized with professional attention by the graded readers. When it comes to choosing the many linguistic elements to be taught, however, a teacher's creativity is needed. Selection and gradation were crucial for reading instruction, particularly in the teaching of prose, poetry, grammar, translation, and all other aspects of language instruction.
4. Principle of Interest
Learning is no exception to the rule that interest is one single main element that pervades the whole superstructure of human action. To communicate effectively in English, students' attention must be piqued and maintained over a long length of time. By using additional materials, visuals, stories, storytelling, role-playing, and dramatization, the English instructor may pique students' interest in the topic. As a result, learning becomes a more intentional, meaningful, and remembered activity.
5. Concreteness
Before moving on to vocabulary exercises, the instructor should start with actual things. A student must connect words with the things that they represent, thus bringing the students' attention to objects that may exist outside of the classroom. This way for concreteness in the teaching-learning process.
6. Multi-line Approach
This strategy entails approaching the same goal from various angles and using diverse methods. Drills and exercises in oral work, for example, are followed by the same content in writing, reinforcing learning. Grammar activities and composition may also be used to teach the same subject. This will aid in the consolidation of achievements.
7. Proportion
Proportion refers to how different aspects of language acquisition are treated equally. Cognitive learning, on the other hand, will outpace learning in the other two domains. The importance of the language forms used for teaching-learning should be balanced.
8. Use of Instructional Aids
To demonstrate the lesson, high-quality models with accurate and appealing visuals should be utilized in the classroom. Speech models aid in the teaching of phonemic distinctions as well as the recognition of various speech sounds and patterns.
9. Vocabulary
The vocabulary load must be balanced with the fundamental structures taught by the instructor. While teaching phonetic mastery of speech sounds, he must keep the vocabulary burden modest. Once the fundamental structures have been understood, the instructor must raise the word load.
10. Tackling the linguistic difficulties
Sound, spelling, structural differences, and convention issues may all be addressed, with a particular emphasis on minimum pairings, homophones, homonyms, and homographs.
11. Attitude towards the Target Culture
Because language and culture are intertwined, it's important to cultivate strong attitudes toward the target culture. Positive attitudes make you more likely to learn what you need to know.
CONCLUSION
The need for English as a talent for upward mobility has created a sort of conflict and crisis in policy planning and execution for language in education. This issue is the consequence of inequity in the educational system, both within school systems and
findings of the many research examined is the demand for English. Within the approved national language-in-education strategy, which seeks to promote mother tongue-based multilingualism, the language has shifted from third or foreign language to 'common second language.' It would be a difficult job to eliminate demand, since desire for languages generates possibilities. It is necessary to address the position of English language among Indian languages, as stated in the Position Paper on Teaching of English (NCERT, 2006a), for its additional and complementary functions in developing all languages via the multilingualism in the classroom approach. It's past time for policymakers and curriculum creators to include national language in education from an educational standpoint in order to promote all languages for harmonious language and cognitive development. Changes in the introduction of English as a language are unlikely since the language is taught in all states from the first year of education. The worrying issue is whether to switch to English as a medium of instruction, when to make the transition from a state or regional language to English, since demand for the medium is increasing. Research with opposing theses has brought this conflict to light.
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Corresponding Author Rakhsheena Baig*
Research Scholar, Banasthali Vidyapith, Vanasthali, Rajasthan