Why are we so obsessed with English in India?

The obsession with English determinedly ignores what is impossible to ignore: A majority of Indian children leave school without the basics of old-fashioned reading, writing and arithmetic, in any language. This cannot be fixed by teaching them English or in English with, among other things, teachers who themselves are unskilled in the language.

Why is English the official language of India?

India was a British colony until 1947, and English is still an official language (although Hindi is the national language spoken by most Indians). English is the language of instruction in many cities and schools. India has the 3rd largest population of people speaking English as their first language (after the US and the UK).

What does a rise in pitch signify in Indian languages?

In many Indian languages, a rise in pitch signifies emphasis. Statements and questions both follow a rise-fall pattern of intonation, which gives rise to the melodious “sing-song” quality often heard from fluent English speakers from India. In English, a rise in pitch is most often used to indicate a yes/no question or to signal uncertainty.

Did you know there are more users of English in India?

Did you know there are more users of English in India than in the United Kingdom, Australia, United States, New Zealand and South Africa combined? Not only that, but the colourful Hindi-to-English translations, and use of what would be considered archaic vocabulary elsewhere, mean that Indian English is like no other variety on earth.

Why are there so many teachers in India who can’t speak English?

Curiously, many states in India have attempted to make English the medium of instruction for all schools in an attempt to assuage the demands of the poor; however, the shortage of teachers who can even speak English is surreal. All of this while the vast majority is able to communicate in their respective mother tongues.

Does fluency in a language determine socioeconomic status in India?

Therefore, a person’s socioeconomic status in Indian society is approximately in line with his or her fluency in the language. In other words: a new caste system. It is incomprehensible that the majority of people in India are being oppressed by the mere lack of knowledge of a language.

Is English fluency a new caste system in India?

One need not mention that universities and even government jobs require fluency in English, as mandated by the ruling elite. Therefore, a person’s socioeconomic status in Indian society is approximately in line with his or her fluency in the language. In other words: a new caste system.