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LEARN ATLEAST TWO LANGUAGES

 

                        LEARN ATLEAST TWO LANGUAGES

There are two languages – the language of heart is your mother tongue, while the

language of the mind is the language to choose to communicate with. To learn both

languages is true multilingualism.

Language is the vehicle of the only real wealth – knowledge. It is also intimately related

to cultural identity, national integration and development. While vernacular languages

are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether, English has emerged as the

language of globalization.

The world community is concerned, and the general assembly of the UN has

proclaimed 2008 to be the international year of languages and named UNESCO as the

lead agency.

Developing multilingualism has strategic importance for the people and the planet. The

world is beautiful because it is so diverse. “When languages fade, so does the world’s

rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of

thinking and expression – valuable resources for ensuring a better future are also lost”,

says UNESCO which has undertaken extensive research into the status of languages

worldwide.

In bilingual or multilingual settings, the phenomenon of acculturation applies when the

use of a dominant majority language is associated with social, cultural, political or

economical advantages. In this case parents of the children in a weaker culture may

encourage their children (and themselves)  to use the languages of the stronger culture

rather than their own language.

Punjabi people who are considered very sensitive to their language and culture, are

now a part of this trend. They are considered very sentimental about their language but

the trend is different now. They hesitate to put their nameplates in Punjabi, their

wedding and other invitation cards are in English, they are happy to receive the

telephone and other bills in English and they are glad to put and read billboards and

advertisements in English. They are doing this themselves and blaming others for

neglecting their mother tongue.

The same is not certainly the case in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal . Remember, there

are two languages. One the language of the heart and another of the mind. These two

languages are – the language of the heart is your mother tongue, while the language of

the mind is the language you choose to communicate with. To learn both languages is

true multilingualism.

In March,2008, I attended the Oxford round table at Oxford on the proficiency in

language. It was an opportunity to interact with select band of scholars from all over the

world.

The present day worls, particularly countries having diversity like India need a cohesive,

comprehensive and transparent policy to protect and develop all national languages,

two language formulas. Let us learn from the countries which enriched, protected and

developed their language treaties.The policy guidelines of UNESCO may be helpful.

Unity in diversity is much more beautiful than the one language, one nation dogma. Let

us celebrate the international year of languages 2008 by learning one language of the

other state

-DR. NAVRAJ SINGH SANDHU, www.navraj@gmail.com

 

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