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