Second language

Having a command over multiple languages is a good thing and plays a vital role in an individual’s career growth. However, in our country, the excessive obsession with English has created hurdles for those people who have studied in education institutions where medium of instruction is Urdu. Not having a command over a foreign language doesn’t define the level of an individual’s intelligence. It is unfortunate that in our country, good English skills mean better job opportunities and good salary packages. Recruitment teams do not consider those candidates who prefer Urdu over English.

The effects of this obsession can easily be seen in our children. The young generation doesn’t know much about our culture and traditions. Informative books, covered in dust, written in Urdu are lying in some corner of a bookshelf. Education institutions have to play a vital role in promoting Urdu. Seminars should be held and Urdu literature and poetry should be discussed.

Saliha Tanseer

Lahore