LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 13 : 2 February 2013
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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The Value Question: Informal Language Learning in Pakistan

Dr. Mariam Saeed

Abstract

The requirement to learn English language for socio-economic progress is undeniable. Educational institutions have incorporated language learning courses within curriculum. However, Language is also being learned through peripheral aids which include: non-standard printed and produced materials. There is sublime indoctrination of western values with language learning.

Culture is embedded within language. Hence, with these peripheral learning aids the receivers are unconsciously exposed to foreign culture. The goal of this paper is to sensitize and empower the receivers and stakeholders. This can help create awareness of desirable and undesirable influences of Western values. To understand the shift in trends and value-system of Pakistan, this researcher conducted observational-studies and interviews for data-elicitation. Presently, the students of urban, private institutions are exposed to this mass-media explosion and formation of the counter-sub-cultures is limited. Nevertheless, foreign cultural ingress needs to be restricted to acceptable social norms of Pakistan.

Key words: Peripheral learning aids: Non-standard printed and produced material, music and magazines, influences: Linguistic, psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic, values and culture.

Introduction

A young language learner wants to understand a word “sun-bathing” he/ she comes across in the book and the teacher instructs the child to watch a TV serial Baywatch in order to understand what it means. Is there anything wrong with a child watching such a program or being exposed to a vocabulary which is alien to our culture? Will his/ her mother expose the child to such TV? These are basic questions triggering the debate on value-system of Pakistan and issue of language acquisition via peripheral methods - their psychological, sociological and linguistic impact on the young learners. Therefore, it is not an isolated aspect of Second Language (English language) learning but is also an inquiry into acceptance and adoption of its inbuilt value-system. As an example, in Urdu “aap” is an expression of respect to elders; “tum” for friends or age-fellows and “tu” for close associates, similar to the French honorifics representing a social value-system within language. In English however, “you” is the umbrella- word for all formal, informal modes of address. Nevertheless, English is the lingua franca, thus the necessity of English language learning to keep pace with the developed world. However, is it as simple as it appears or is there more to it? The sensitivity of this aspect is also indirectly explored by Anjum Riyaz-ul-Haq in her article The Position and Status of English in Pakistan where she narrates:

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr. Mariam Saeed
53/6 Gregory’s Road
Colombo-7
Sri Lanka
mariamsaeed@live.com
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