Having studied in an English-medium school, I initially failed to grasp the challenges faced by students from Urdu-medium backgrounds....
THINK PAD
Having studied in an English-medium school, I initially failed to grasp the challenges faced by students from Urdu-medium backgrounds when they enter college. Watching these students struggle with English proficiency was eye-opening, as they often felt embarrassed and hesitant to participate in class discussions due to the ridicule they faced. This issue is further compounded by the fact that most college and university textbooks in Pakistan, whether imported or locally published, are available only in English for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Understandably, students from government schools, unfamiliar with academic English, are daunted when presented with these texts and find it challenging to comprehend the material.
I struggle to understand the persistent debate around using English as the medium of instruction, especially when quality textbooks for technical subjects are rarely available in Urdu. Many political figures call for Urdu as the medium of education to gain popular support, yet without readily available textbooks in Urdu for essential subjects, this approach remains impractical. Countries like Germany, Japan, and Russia successfully educate students in their native languages because they have invested in translating and developing high-quality resources. Ironically, those advocating for Urdu often belong to an elite class that sends their children to study abroad, while expecting lower- and middle-income students to make do with an outdated system, thereby maintaining a gap in educational quality and opportunities. The fear, it seems, is that talented students from underprivileged backgrounds, once equipped with English proficiency, may challenge the status quo and bring about much-needed growth for Pakistan.
Even if Urdu were retained as the medium of instruction, it’s crucial that government schools implement a comprehensive English syllabus that equips students with spoken and written proficiency, thereby enhancing their future prospects. As a global language, English has become the primary medium for international business, science, technology, education, and diplomacy. Its role as a global lingua franca allows people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge.
English proficiency opens doors to many educational opportunities. Leading universities and a vast array of academic resources worldwide are English-based, making it essential for students seeking higher education and research opportunities. Furthermore, it significantly boosts employability, as many multinational companies and organizations require employees to communicate effectively in English.
The reach of English extends into culture and media, where it dominates entertainment, from movies and music to literature and digital content. This widespread presence shapes global popular culture, allowing people to engage with diverse perspectives. In the digital age, English is the language of the Internet, where most online content—websites, social media, and e-commerce—is in English, making it vital for accessing information and participating in global conversations.
The significance of English lies in its power to connect people across borders, facilitate education and career growth, and act as a tool for cultural exchange and technological advancement. Its global importance continues to grow, making English proficiency indispensable in the modern world. Pakistan cannot fully progress until all citizens can understand, speak, and converse in English, enabling them to participate in the global economy and contribute to the nation's development. I hope that concerned authorities will act promptly to modernize our educational system and equip students with the skills they need to thrive.
