English in India

Dr. K. Balachandran

Prof. of English

Annamalai University

English is no more a foreign language to India and Indians. English started to leave its deep roots in the educational institutions in the 50s and 60s. In the 21^st century, English has grown like a banyan tree. Without English can Higher Education be complete and perfect? Proficiency in English alone will fetch good job opportunities, handsome salary, and foreign assignments. Can a strong or storeyed building be built sans strong foundation? English is the base whether one prefers professional course or other (Science and humanities) courses. But what is the reality in the educational institutions? Is undue importance given to main subjects, sidelining English and mother tongue? The result is like half-baked cakes sans proficiency in spoken English and written English by our students. What are the main reasons? There is neglect of textbooks and grammar. is there need for good and tolerable communicative skills among the students? Can they become efficient sans reading textbooks? Can they communicate sans learning grammar? Do we need salt in any dish? Do we need grammar either it is written or spoken English? Do language policies of government play major role in educational policies? Is there need for change in Higher Education?

It is answers to these questions that Dr. K. Balachandran will explore through his paper “English in India”

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