Students should always learn in their native language

Students should always learn in their native language


Some education experts believe students should always learn in their native language, others argue there are benefits to leaning in a second language for some subjects. Evaluate both point of views and indicate which one do you agree with

It has always been one of the biggest points of discussion for the education experts regarding in which language to impart education to the students so as to make them most comfortable and receptive to a subject. However, with the advent of Globalization, it has become clear that apart from learning in their native language, it becomes almost necessary to be equally comfortable in English as their second language.

This is due to the fact that English has almost been accepted as a “global language” as it is so widely spoken. However, it cannot be ruled out that there are definitely lots of advantages of studying in one’s native language. It has been proven time and again through various researches that students who are able to embrace their cultural heritage or are able to study in their native language always have higher grade point averages than those who are forced to study in the “English-only” environment. Definitely, the sense of expression is higher and stress lower while studying in a native language.

But at the same time, the employability of a student goes down if he/she is comfortable only in his/her native language. Learning a second language definitely makes the C.V meatier apart from making you a multi-tasker. Times of India , dated January 05, 2014 quoted that “Those who speak English fluently earn up to 34% more than those who don't speak the language, a recent report has found, confirming the link between an education in English and the scope of employment opportunities.”

One of the basic demands of globalisation is that there should be a smooth gelling between the nations whether in politics, business, sports etc. The same is possible only if they operate in one single language which is English since decades and will remain for centuries. Chinese have shown reluctance to the language for centuries but it is over-whelming to see that today China is learning English like no other country in the world. About 1, 00,000 native English speakers are teaching English in China as per the research conducted by Dorie Clark.

Considering the fact, that it has been accepted as one of the official languages of the United Nations, its understanding and fluent speaking becomes the need of the hour for the students of the world irrespective of their geographic origin. It has been projected that by 2050, nearly half of the world population will be proficient in English. This is a huge figure and cannot be over looked. Hence, it can be concluded that though studying in native language is more comfortable, but survival and growth in the present era depends upon one’s ability to adapt to the increasing demands of the globalization era, one of them being ability to communicate and operate in English as a second language.
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    Discussion

  • RE: Students should always learn in their native language -Teena Bhatia (08/29/14)
  • There is no need for students to get their learning in native language. Students need education so that they can excel in all spheres of life. Also, it is not necessary that they are going to work in future in their native place. Therefore, learning should not necessarily be given in native language.

    Coming to importance of native language, it is important for everyone to be proficient in their native language. Native language can work as the quality language in their particular region. However, it is not essential for the students to learn the native language as their first language or in school. They can get the proficiency in native language at their homes. Children can always pick the native language from the parents, and it is most likely that they will get the efficient vocabulary and expertise in language from home.

    Learning of native language at home can work as a strong base for students for learning the main language like English in school. Children with strong native language are more eager and prepared to learn the second language.

    The key here is maintaining a balance between the native language and community language. Children should try to communicate at their homes in native language but when it comes to schooling the focus should shift on the second language. At most of the places, this language is English. There is no harm in making English as official language as it brings the people from the different communities at common platform. English is spoken and understood at international level and with the changing world; it is must for the students to be efficient in English language.