Time and time again one comes across writers whowrite in English against English as a medium of instruction(EMI) in Pakistani educational institutions. They argue that their argument isnot against teaching English as a language but against its use as a medium ofinstruction. That, however, does not turn out to be the case as most oftenadvertently or inadvertently they end up throwing the baby out with the bathwater. (See below)
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
Basic english is taught in most other countries that are not currently/former members of the commonwealth. Russia, China, Turkey, and so on get buy with instruction mostly in their native tongue, though English proficiency does make it easier at higher levels with regards to communicating with peers world wide. Though this may be relevant at a graduate level and beyond, it is not so for the undergraduate who’s english skills make them perhaps only ripe for recruitment in an Anglo nation. Why educate some other nations labour force?
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
The burden on Pakistani Child compare to German, Chinese, Japanese or Child from other developed nation, Pakistani Child have to learn two languages simultaneously, one of them, English in not largely spoken in the daily routine... so most part of his brains, remain occupied with these language problems.... whereas, the child in developed nations, study in their national language, which is widely spoken and understood, as result his creative power develops....compare to ours who use all his powers to search a meaning of a word in dictionaries....
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
^ Chinese also learn English. Besides scientific study claims that children are capable of learning two languages, human brain is stronger than we think.
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
We need English to be competitive in the world - to move from agrarian jobs to low level outsourcing jobs like India which require English. In the meanwhile we should abandon Urdu - and substitute regional languages instead.
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
^ Chinese also learn English. Besides scientific study claims that children are capable of learning two languages, human brain is stronger than we think.
Strongly agree.
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
English is a way of life for the educated Indo/Pakistanis so we learn it effortlessly. It's taught from early childhood and it's necessary if you study sciences coz all the books are in English. i studied at a Muslim University and there was NO role of urdu/Hindi in the teaching of science subjects. our medium of instruction was English all the way though i did NOT go to any English-medium school run by nuns.
Re: English as a medium of instruction: the non-issue
Basic english is taught in most other countries that are not currently/former members of the commonwealth. Russia, China, Turkey, and so on get buy with instruction mostly in their native tongue, though English proficiency does make it easier at higher levels with regards to communicating with peers world wide. Though this may be relevant at a graduate level and beyond, it is not so for the undergraduate who's english skills make them perhaps only ripe for recruitment in an Anglo nation. Why educate some other nations labour force?
Dear Picoico: The thing is this: What do you think is the problem in preparing 'labour force' of other nations when we do not have enough jobs inside Pakistan for our millions of young jobless people? On the one hand will this help in the economic development of Pakistani by bringing foreign currency and on the other our youth in other countries will connect us better with the rest of the world. That is why our educated 'labour force' that serves in other countries is actually an asset.