UNIT - VII
LANGUAGE POLICIES IN EDUCATION
Language policies – During post-independence period – Three Language formula – Mother
tongue as medium of instruction – English versus regional language as medium of
instruction.
INTRODUCTION
The language problem has a perennial trouble spot in our educational history. The
education commission has stated of the many problems which the country has faced since
independence, the language question has been one of the most complex and unmanageable and it
still continues to be so. Its early satisfactory solution is imperative for a variety of reasons,
educational and cultural and political.
The constitution of India recognized 18 major languages. Besides there are 432 languages
and dialects being spoken in India? 1652 mother tongues are spoken by more than one lakh
people.
This education commission also stressed its importance as “the development of proper
language policy can also assist materially in social and national integration. More than that
language issue is more than a emotional issue than a linguistic one.
Importance of common language / National language:
1. Common language makes inter-state communication easier
2. It encourages a common standard of education
3. Common language plays an important role in the development of
National integration and it leads to a peaceful life.
Development of Modern Indian language:
The commission felt, “It is hardly necessary to emphasize that the development of the
Indian languages is both urgent and essential for the development of the Indian people and as a
way of bringing, together the elite and masses. It can make scientific and technical knowledge
more easily accessible to people in their own language and thus help not only in the progress of
industrialization but also in the wider dissemination of science and a scientific outlook.
Language is a divisive force in India:
As per recommendations of Lord Macaulay (1935) the medium of instruction was
English and the main languages to be studied also as English. As English was the
medium of instruction, the importance of languages was systematically marginalized.
For political reasons, British rulers educated few Indians who would be according to
them, Indian in blood and colors but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in
intellect.
In 1844 Lord Hardinge made knowledge of English is essential for entry into
Government services. This move has indirectly compelled Indians to learn English.
In 1947, when Britishers have left for their homeland; they left India in a state of
linguistic confusion.
Education and Multilinguism:
The linguistic problem arises from the fact that there are many languages which are rich
and which have their own merits but none has the largest currency in the whole of India.
Consequently we have a number of questions to answers.
Which Indian languages can be the official language?
Which one can be the federal language?
What is the status of regional language? Etc. Each language has its own rightful claim.
The Claim of Hindi:
42% of Indian population speaks Hindi i.e, greater number of Indian speak Hindi. Hindi
speaking people are concentrated in northern stated. This concentration draws a line of linguistic
demarcation which makes the claim of Hindi as the official and federal difficult.
Articles 344 and 345 of our constitution clearly stipulate that Hindi written in Devenagri
script will be the official language of the union and for a period of 15 years from the constitution.
English will continue to be used for all official purposes of the union. But during this period,
President may authorize the use of Hindi in addition to English. We should put our controversy
aside us and accept Hindi as our National language and federal language.
Kamaraj a states from Tamilnadu non-Hindi speaking state said, know of English was
necessary for International purpose, since the country could not erect a wall around it and cut
itself away from the rest of the world. Equally necessary was knowledge of Hindi for the people
of Tamilnadu in order to cut them away from the rest of India. The Decision to have one of the
Indian languages as the common language of the country was taken about 50 Years ago and that
language could only be Hindi because it was spoken by largest number of peoples in the country.
It is in the interest of the nation that every Indian should learn Hindi. Once it is learnt by
everybody it will automatically become federal language. A vast democratic country like India
cannot successfully function without a federal language. However any attempt to Impose Hindi,
for that matter any Indian language is bound to fail. An educational observes “All attempt to
make any language and culture popular by force are bound to fail.
The Claim of English:
English (popular, rich and International language) would be the most useful library
language in higher education and most significant window on the world. It is also important to
encourage the study of other foreign language and a more extensive scale for a variety of
academic and practical purpose. Nehru said, “All Indian language must be developed and
promoted but that did not mean that English to be discarded. To do that will amount to closing a
window on the world of technology; foreign language served as windows on it and to suppose
that translation could take their place was mistake. It was no use getting into an intellectual
prison after achieving political independence”. Nehru assured in the parliament to continue
English as national associate official language until all the state in the union accept as a soul
official language.
Role of English in India:
E-Elite, N-National associate official Language, G-Global language, L-Link language, I-
Indian language, S-Several purpose language, H – Historically important language. It encourages
the study of other foreign languages in academically and practically. It is helpful for the higher
education like doctorate degrees.
Claim of Regional Language:
As the states were reorganized language wise the regional language in most cases is the
mother tongue. It is the language of majority in the respective region.
The regional language is the most natural medium of instruction Gandhiji’s basic
education recommends mother tongue as the medium of instruction and envisages English less
matriculation. All commissions and educators are unanimous in imparting primary education
through the medium of mother tongue. In the words of Rabindranath Tagore,, the best of our
own language. The mother tongue is for student what mother’s milk is for infants. One of the
functions of education is the training to express one’s thoughts and feelings through language.
This gives and takes between and without is necessary for a healthy mental life. If that has to be
done through a foreign language it becomes like trying to act to play with a mask over one’s
face.
Claim of Classical language:
Sanskrit is one of the richest languages of India. It is the basis of all India culture. It is
said to be the foster mother of all Indian language. Learning of such language can’t be neglected.
Hindi as the link language:
It is equally obvious that English can’t serve as the link language for the people. It is only
Hindi which can and should take this place in due course. As it is the official language of the
union and the language of the people, all measures should be adapted to spread in the non-Hindi
in the success of this program will largely depend on the extend to which it is voluntarily
accepted by the people of these areas. Hindi is expected in due course of time to become the
lingua franca of the country. Its ultimate importance in the language curriculum will be second
only to that of the mother tongue.
Lingua Franca / Link language:
Lingua franca is a compromise language used between groups having no other languages
in common. Any language used as a trade or communication medium by people speaking
different languages is called as lingua franca link language.
Lingua franca is developed in Brazil under Portuguese influence in Brazil in 16 th and 17th
centuries. It is a medium of communication between Europeans and Indians of different
languages.
According to Kothari commission the following policy was accepted to be introduced in
school. In higher primary stages two languages are to be studied compulsorily.
1. Mother tongue/regional language
2. The official language / associate language
3. Hindi / English / Foreign language or any Indian language.
English is considered as a link language. It helps to communicate with other states. So
English is taught from the 3rd standard itself. But Hindi is the official language of the union. So
Government introduced Hindi as link language in non-Hindi speaking areas except Tamilnadu.
Language Policy:
Hindi became official language of the union by the effect from the 26 th January 1965 as
provided under official language act 1963. Provision for made English as additional language to
Hindi even after 26th January 1965. As the language act 1967, English shall be used for the
purpose of communication between union and state. Loksabha also adopted the resolution of the
language policy. Much spelt out concrete steps to which development of Hindi was proposed to
be accelerated so that one day Hindi may occupy the right place. Following experts gave reports
that will through light on the present language policy.
1. The University Education Commission: (Dr.Radha Krishnan)
The medium of Instruction at university secondary and primary level is the regional
language. However the commission made provision for the federal language.
The commission stated clearly we should like to see the introduction of the federal
language in all school at the secondary stage and the teaching should be continued at the
university. This will ensure a general knowledge of the federal language of use for all practical
needs. In addition for those who desire to attain greater mastery over the federal language
facilities should be provided for intensive study.
2. Secondary Education commission (1952-53) Mudhaliar Commission:
The mother tongue or the regional language should generally be the medium of
instruction throughout the secondary school stage.
During the middle school stage, every child should be taught at least two languages.
English and Hindi should be introduced at the end of junior basic stage. No two languages
should be introduced in the same year.
At the High Hr.Secondary stage, at least two language should be studied one being
mother tongue. And the other language to be chosen from among the following. (a) Hindi (b)
Elementary English (c) Advanced English. (d) A modern Indian language (other than
Hindi) (e) A modern foreign language (other than English) (f) A classical language.
3. CABE(Central Advisory Board of Education)1956:
Central Advisory Board of Education was the 1 st to suggested the 3 language formula in
1956
4. Three language formula by Kothari Commission (Indian Education)
Commission 1964 – 1966: The national integration conference held in India in 1961,
recommended the adoption of 3 language formula for secondary education then in 1966 Kothari
commission presented a consents language policy a studied in the school in India should learn
mother tongue official or associate language and modern Indian or European language one
interpretation placed on this formula was that students in south should learn Hindi besides their
mother tongue and English.
1. Lower primary stage: Class I - IV
Only one language is to be taught i.e. mother tongue or regional language at the option of
the people.
2. Higher primary stage: Class V-VII
Two languages – In non Hindi speaking areas these languages will normally be.
Mother tongue/regional language
Hindi and higher level or a lower level and
English at a higher level or lower level.
In Hindi speaking areas, they will normally be
- Mother tongue / regional language
- English / Hindi if English has already taken and
- A modern Indian language other than Hindi.
Non-Hindi speaking areas, they will be normally be
Higher Secondary level: Class XI – XII:
Any two of the languages studied earlier or any two languages including modern foreign
languages Indian or foreign.
Why mother tongue as the medium of instruction?
- In facilities teaching and learning
- Fosters intellectual emotional and social development.
- Helps children understand and appreciate better their cultural heritage
- Reduces the burden of cramming
- Developers sense joy in children in learning.
Basis for workable three language formula:
1. Hindi is the official language of the union and is expected in due course of time to
become the lingua franca of the country. Its ultimate importance in the language
curricular will be second only to that of the mother tongue.
2. English will continue to enjoy high status so long as it remains the principal medium
of education at the university stage.
3. learning of a language at school depends not only on the number of years during
which it is learnt but it depends on the motivation of the students, stager at which it is
studied teachers and their qualifications, equipments and method of teaching.
4. The most suitable stage for making the learning of three languages compulsory
appears to be the lower secondary stage (Class VIII-IX) where smaller number of
pupils is involved and better facilities and teaching personnel can be provided.
5. Hindi / English should be introduced on a compulsory basis as a second language. It
should be taught will depend on local motivation and need and should be left to the
discretion of each state.
Implication of the modified three language formula:
1. At the lower primary stage only one language should be studied compulsory the
mother tongue or the regional language.
2. At higher primary stage, only two languages should be studied on a compulsory basis.
- Mother tongue / regional language
- The official or the associate official language.
3. A the lower secondary a study of three languages should be obligatory and a student
should be under an obligation to study either the material language the union or the
associate official language which had not selected at the higher primary state.
4. It is true that English will be the most important library language to be studied at this
stage and it is necessary to encourage the study of other language like Russian,
German French Japanese Spanish Chinese and other modern India languages other
than Hindi and the Regional languages.
ENGLISH VERSUS REGIONAL LANGUAGE AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
India is a country with too many languages with some being state.English has
now become sort of our national language, a connecting language for the whole India. On the
other hand we have our Mother tongue languages which teach about our culture, about our
past Our founding fathers wanted the children to have the knowledge about the mother
tongue at least till the primarily level but knowing the complexity of cultural, regional,
social and geographical situation of India they made sufficient relaxations in the
constitution for English.
It is an undeniable fact that without English as a common language it will be very difficult
to deal with our countrymen in other parts of our country. Not only for connecting to our
own countrymen but in this time of Globalization English plays an important role in
conducting any sort of business with our foreign neighbors.
Medium of instruction
A medium of instruction is a language used in teaching. It may or may not be the official
language of the country or territory. Where the first language of students is different from the
official language, it may be used as the medium of instruction for part or all of
schooling. Bilingual or multilingual education may involve the use of more than one
language of instruction. UNESCO considers that "providing education in a child's mother
tongue is indeed a Importance of teaching mother-tongue to a child
Mother-tongue is the language that a child learns in his mother's lap. It is the language
which the child learns almost without any conscious effort on his part. It is a language
which the child acquires while living in his own social group.
Importance of Mother Tongue in Education:
Mother-tongue plays a tremendously useful role in the education of a child. It has a great
importance in the field of education. Therefore, mother tongue must be given an important
and prominent place in the school curriculum.
Specifically, the importance of mother tongue is due to the following reasons:
1. Medium of Expression and Communication.
Mother tongue is the best medium for the expression of one's ideas and feelings. Thus, it is
the most potent agent for mutual communication and exchange of ideas.
critical issue".
2. Formation of a Social Group.
It is through language, and especially through the mother-tongue, that individuals form
themselves into a social organization.
3. Easy to Learn.
Of all the languages, the mother-tongue is most easy to learn. Full proficiency or mastery
can be achieved in one's own mother tongue.
4. Best Medium for Acquiring Knowledge.
Thinking is an instrument of acquiring knowledge, and thinking is impossible without
language.
It is therefore of the greatest importance for our pupils to get a firm grounding in their
mother-tongue.
of Emotional Development.
Mother-tongue is the most important instrument for bringing about emotional development
of the individual. The emotional effect of literature and poetry is something which is of
vital importance in the development and refinement of emotions.
5. It brings about Intellectual Development.
Intellectual development is impossible without language. Reading, expressing oneself,
acquisition of knowledge and reasoning are the instruments for bringing about
intellectual development; and all of these are possible only through language, or the mother-
tongue of the child.
6. Instrument of Creative Self-Expression.
We may be able to communicate in any language, but creative self-expression is possible
only in one's own mother tongue. This is clear from the fact that all great writers could
produce great literature only in their own language.
7. Instrument
8. Instrument of Growth of the Pupils.
The teaching of the mother tongue is important because on it depends the growth of our
pupils .For example Growth in their intellectual life ; growth in knowledge ; growth in
ability to express themselves; growth in creative and productive ability-all stem from
the mother-tongue.
9. Source of Original Ideas.
Original ideas are the product of one's own mother tongue. On account of the facility of
thought and expression, new and original ideas take birth and get shape only in one's
own mother tongue.
Thus, mother tongue has tremendous importance in education and in the curriculum
The communication of India with other countries takes place in English language. For a
developing country like India, it is essential to be in constant intercourse with other countries.
English is an important language for inter-state communications. Modern India has
many large States. People of each State converse in their own language and often cannot
speak or understand the regional language of other people. In such cases, English
becomes the link between these people. So, here too we cannot deny the importance of
English in modern India.
Conclusion: There are some absolute advantages of regional languages over English no
doubt, but in spite of that there is the need and importance English language in our life
Why Learn English: 10 Reasons to Learn English
There are many reasons to learn English, but because it is one of the most difficult languages
to learn it is important to focus on exactly why it is you want to learn English. Here we will
look at ten great reasons why English is so important. Post this list somewhere you can see it
and it will motivate you to keep going .
There are:
English is the most commonly used language among foreign language speakers.
Throughout the world, when people with different languages come together they
commonly use English to communicate.
Why learn English when it is so difficult? Well, knowing English will make you bilingual
and more employable in every country in the world.
Despite China, the United States is still a leader in technical innovation and economic
development. English is used in the United States and in each of these fields.
English is commonly spoken throughout much of the world due to Great Britian’s
expansion during the colonial age. People in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, parts of
Africa, India, and many smaller island nations speak English. English is the commonly
adopted second language in Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Speaking English opens these countries and cultures up to you.
Another reason why English is so important is that it is the language of science. To excel in
science you need to know English.
Despite China, the United States is still a leader in technical innovation and economic
development. English is used in the United States and in each of these fields.
English is commonly spoken throughout much of the world due to Great Britian’s
expansion during the colonial age. People in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, parts of
Africa, India, and many smaller island nations speak English. English is the commonly
adopted second language in Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Speaking English opens these countries and cultures up to you.
Another reason why English is so important is that it is the language of science. To excel in
science you need to know English.
Conclusion:
This formula suggested by kothari commission adheres to the constitutional directives
and at the same time remove the fear of Non-Hindi speaking people. If this language policy
implemented objectively with interest of the nation mind, will no longer be a problem. It is
appropriate in proper to quote Dr.Trigunasen at this Juncture.
“The language problem had become a hump in Indian progress in the field of education.
The only way to get over this is to put controversy behind us and take clean and unequivocal
decisions and implemented them in a sustained manner.
