Before starting this discussion, I want to make one thing clear, i.e., I have studied in an English Medium School. I understand that if we want to work in reputed companies, we have to speak fluent English.
It is said that if we take education through our mother tongue, we understand the subject very well. English is a foreign language and now it has become a global language. Every country in this world is proud of its national language and mother tongue. The fact is we are not proud of our national language and mother tongue. Anyone speaking in their mother tongue is considered vernacular, and people who speak in English are considered sophisticated. Chinese, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish people conduct their business in their own language, and they are not fluent or they can't speak English properly. Yet their countries are developed.
Many of my relatives have studied in Marathi Medium, and they are very good at understanding subjects like Maths, Science, Geography, etc. Many of them are working in top companies and hold top positions in those companies (yes, they did brush up their language skills). Their conceptual understanding is also much better than the English medium population. This proves that language cannot be a barrier to building a great career in life.
If any company wants to become successful in India, they have to satisfy the needs of the Indian population, the majority of whom live in rural areas, and not all of them are experts in speaking English. If this is the case, then why are many bright candidates rejected during the interview process just because they can't speak English properly? It is fine if they are rejected on other grounds like lack of relevant skills, knowledge, experience, etc.
My next question is directed to corporate India. When you say communication skills, how do you define it? A person can be an excellent communicator even in their own mother tongue or national language. For example, Sushma Swaraj. Unfortunately, the word "Communication" has become synonymous with speaking English. Communication means speaking a language with correct grammar and pronunciation.
Please give your opinion on this topic. I know that communicating in English is the need of the hour, but I will appreciate everyone's view on this topic.
From India, Mumbai
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54It is said that if we take education through our mother tongue, we understand the subject very well. English is a foreign language and now it has become a global language. Every country in this world is proud of its national language and mother tongue. The fact is we are not proud of our national language and mother tongue. Anyone speaking in their mother tongue is considered vernacular, and people who speak in English are considered sophisticated. Chinese, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish people conduct their business in their own language, and they are not fluent or they can't speak English properly. Yet their countries are developed.
Many of my relatives have studied in Marathi Medium, and they are very good at understanding subjects like Maths, Science, Geography, etc. Many of them are working in top companies and hold top positions in those companies (yes, they did brush up their language skills). Their conceptual understanding is also much better than the English medium population. This proves that language cannot be a barrier to building a great career in life.
If any company wants to become successful in India, they have to satisfy the needs of the Indian population, the majority of whom live in rural areas, and not all of them are experts in speaking English. If this is the case, then why are many bright candidates rejected during the interview process just because they can't speak English properly? It is fine if they are rejected on other grounds like lack of relevant skills, knowledge, experience, etc.
My next question is directed to corporate India. When you say communication skills, how do you define it? A person can be an excellent communicator even in their own mother tongue or national language. For example, Sushma Swaraj. Unfortunately, the word "Communication" has become synonymous with speaking English. Communication means speaking a language with correct grammar and pronunciation.
Please give your opinion on this topic. I know that communicating in English is the need of the hour, but I will appreciate everyone's view on this topic.
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Mandy007,
You seem to have missed one point. All the countries you have mentioned have only one official/national language. However, India has many. It was for that reason, among others, that India is sometimes referred to as the Indian subcontinent. Please tell me what language should a person from Maharashtra use when working in Karnataka or Tamil Nadu or vice versa. Also, the countries that you mentioned were not colonized by the British and became industrialized at the same pace as the British without the help of the English language. English is the language that has united India, not Hindi or any of our other official languages.
So, kindly tell me which language should corporates use without giving any undue advantage to people speaking their own mother tongue? My mother tongue is Tamil (I can't read or write in it.), my regional language is Kannada (the official language of Karnataka), which I can read, write and speak fluently; I can also read, write and speak Hindi, but not fluently; I studied that as a second language. English was my first language since the age of 11. So, if I were working in any state other than Karnataka, which language should I be using?
From United Kingdom
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You seem to have missed one point. All the countries you have mentioned have only one official/national language. However, India has many. It was for that reason, among others, that India is sometimes referred to as the Indian subcontinent. Please tell me what language should a person from Maharashtra use when working in Karnataka or Tamil Nadu or vice versa. Also, the countries that you mentioned were not colonized by the British and became industrialized at the same pace as the British without the help of the English language. English is the language that has united India, not Hindi or any of our other official languages.
So, kindly tell me which language should corporates use without giving any undue advantage to people speaking their own mother tongue? My mother tongue is Tamil (I can't read or write in it.), my regional language is Kannada (the official language of Karnataka), which I can read, write and speak fluently; I can also read, write and speak Hindi, but not fluently; I studied that as a second language. English was my first language since the age of 11. So, if I were working in any state other than Karnataka, which language should I be using?
From United Kingdom
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Speaking English like a British is not the only criterion to mark a person as a good communicator. Language is only a medium.
Certain jobs demand specific language skills - it could be English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Kannada, Arabic, Mandarin...
Here is an interesting post on communication: [URL="http://blogs.hbr.org/baldoni/2009/04/five_things_leaders_can_do_to.html"]
1. In the knowledge industry, particularly IT, ITeS, KPO, etc., English is the leading business language as the customer base is across the world. However, when dealing with China, the Middle East, Japan, Russia, France, companies use either translators or people with respective country language skills.
2. In India, if we look at metros and mini metros, English has been accepted as the most preferred business language. However, when we go to the Northern part of India, Hindi is equally important as a business language.
3. Across India, to work in certain departments, local language skills are a must (e.g., a person who cannot speak Tamil can never function as an effective IR Officer in a Tyre Manufacturing Company in Coimbatore).
English is a good language, and this has helped Indians establish a better rapport with people from other English-speaking countries. It has also helped India cross geographical barriers, create more business opportunities, increase export revenue, etc.
@ Nashbramhall - With great respect to your experience and opinion, I express my disagreement on one point. I am unable to agree with the opinion that "English is the language that has united India, not Hindi or any of our other official languages." Before 1947, our literacy rates were not so good, kings were not speaking English, and all our freedom fighters were not speaking English. The constant urge towards freedom and the efforts of millions of people across Hindustan, under the leadership of many great leaders, made United India a reality. The colonial rule and slavery imposed by the East India Company acted as a catalyst for people to unite and fight for freedom.
From India, Bangalore
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Certain jobs demand specific language skills - it could be English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Kannada, Arabic, Mandarin...
Here is an interesting post on communication: [URL="http://blogs.hbr.org/baldoni/2009/04/five_things_leaders_can_do_to.html"]
1. In the knowledge industry, particularly IT, ITeS, KPO, etc., English is the leading business language as the customer base is across the world. However, when dealing with China, the Middle East, Japan, Russia, France, companies use either translators or people with respective country language skills.
2. In India, if we look at metros and mini metros, English has been accepted as the most preferred business language. However, when we go to the Northern part of India, Hindi is equally important as a business language.
3. Across India, to work in certain departments, local language skills are a must (e.g., a person who cannot speak Tamil can never function as an effective IR Officer in a Tyre Manufacturing Company in Coimbatore).
English is a good language, and this has helped Indians establish a better rapport with people from other English-speaking countries. It has also helped India cross geographical barriers, create more business opportunities, increase export revenue, etc.
@ Nashbramhall - With great respect to your experience and opinion, I express my disagreement on one point. I am unable to agree with the opinion that "English is the language that has united India, not Hindi or any of our other official languages." Before 1947, our literacy rates were not so good, kings were not speaking English, and all our freedom fighters were not speaking English. The constant urge towards freedom and the efforts of millions of people across Hindustan, under the leadership of many great leaders, made United India a reality. The colonial rule and slavery imposed by the East India Company acted as a catalyst for people to unite and fight for freedom.
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Consultme,
I take your point. But please tell me, what is the official language of India? If instead of English, had they said any of the other languages were the official languages, would it have been accepted? I remember what happened in Tamil Nadu and other non-Hindi states when Hindi was made compulsory. Even now, though Hindi is the official language, "the constitution requires the authoritative text of all laws, including Parliamentary enactments and statutory instruments, to be in English until Parliament decides otherwise."
Reference: [Languages with official status in India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_with_official_status_in_India)
From United Kingdom
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I take your point. But please tell me, what is the official language of India? If instead of English, had they said any of the other languages were the official languages, would it have been accepted? I remember what happened in Tamil Nadu and other non-Hindi states when Hindi was made compulsory. Even now, though Hindi is the official language, "the constitution requires the authoritative text of all laws, including Parliamentary enactments and statutory instruments, to be in English until Parliament decides otherwise."
Reference: [Languages with official status in India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_with_official_status_in_India)
From United Kingdom
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Dear Natbramhall,
You are talking about a small portion of Hindustani. If you see the survey, HINDI will stand above all languages, and above all, HINDI is recognized as our MATRIBHASHA. Further, Corporates do not only mean White Color People; it is the hard effort of Blue color people who speak HINDI more often than any other language. I totally agree with Consultme for putting Hindi above all.
So please don't react when English is criticized. No one can replace HINDI or even Sanskrit. It is Hindi that has kept Hindustan united, and those who speak English have rather divided our country like the British did. Sometimes it is required, like a person must know Tamil if he or she wants to work with Rural Tamils. English speakers will feel like strangers.
From India, Delhi
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You are talking about a small portion of Hindustani. If you see the survey, HINDI will stand above all languages, and above all, HINDI is recognized as our MATRIBHASHA. Further, Corporates do not only mean White Color People; it is the hard effort of Blue color people who speak HINDI more often than any other language. I totally agree with Consultme for putting Hindi above all.
So please don't react when English is criticized. No one can replace HINDI or even Sanskrit. It is Hindi that has kept Hindustan united, and those who speak English have rather divided our country like the British did. Sometimes it is required, like a person must know Tamil if he or she wants to work with Rural Tamils. English speakers will feel like strangers.
From India, Delhi
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There is no harm in communicating in English, but my objection is: why should you consider a person unsophisticated just because he can't speak English properly? English has become synonymous with sophistication. If someone can't speak English, they are ridiculed. Why?
It is a foreign language. Even if we speak English clearly, we still can't match the accent of Englishmen because they were born to speak that way. As mentioned in my post, we are ashamed to speak in our mother tongue even with people who belong to our mother tongue. Why?
My main concern is that we are losing our identity and underestimating the power of our mother tongue or national language.
From India, Mumbai
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It is a foreign language. Even if we speak English clearly, we still can't match the accent of Englishmen because they were born to speak that way. As mentioned in my post, we are ashamed to speak in our mother tongue even with people who belong to our mother tongue. Why?
My main concern is that we are losing our identity and underestimating the power of our mother tongue or national language.
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Mandy007,
Nothing to be upset. We have taught the entire world with our skills and knowledge since ancient times, and those times will come again. Let some narrow-minded English-speaking people try to divide our ever-solid unity of Hindustan, which is bound to fail until we are all united.
From India, Delhi
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Nothing to be upset. We have taught the entire world with our skills and knowledge since ancient times, and those times will come again. Let some narrow-minded English-speaking people try to divide our ever-solid unity of Hindustan, which is bound to fail until we are all united.
From India, Delhi
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Mandy, I too accept your viewpoint. We need English as a common language, or it has become a business language. But to understand English, we need some structure which can be given only by our mother tongue. We need English for growth in our careers. We have made progress in this regard.
From India, Coimbatore
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From India, Coimbatore
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Hi,
Somehow, the discussion is becoming heated, and it seems that a few individuals are taking it personally. I feel India was divided into many states based on language alone. Having the same language makes administration more convenient, yet we remain united. Previously, we were not united, and all the kings fought each other, especially just before colonization. However, in ancient India under great emperors, we were united, including Pakistan. Therefore, unity and division have occurred from time to time, not only in our country but also in great countries around the world. Thus, I do not agree that a language can unite a nation, but culture and geography can. The rest of Asia is influenced by Indian culture. The world and our society continue to prosper because of laws. Imagine if there were no laws; people would engage in killing, looting, rape, homicide, and genocide. Currently, this union of states known as India is trying to break the language barrier, not only within the country but also internationally for opportunities. Hindi is a fantastic language, and I love Hindi.
Especially for South Indians, English is the most commonly used language after their mother tongue. All languages in India, except Tamil (I am not familiar with any other language like that), originated from Sanskrit. I understand Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam as they are my mother tongue. I can communicate in all South Indian languages and Hindi, though I am not proficient. In the initial days of my career, English helped me connect with my customers in Bangalore. Later on, I also learned Kannada. India has many beautiful languages, but we need English for our growth.
I would like to address why candidates are rejected for not speaking good English. In my organization, I have never considered proficiency in English as a yardstick for selecting people at the frontline managerial level. However, if they had good English skills, they would have been more confident. It is akin to dressing up. Why do people dress well? The reasons people talk about are correct, but primarily it is to impress others and influence them as we desire. Additionally, factors such as gender, climate, culture, cost, and convenience are taken into account. People respect and adopt what is good; we cannot impose it upon them. English language is similar. Imagine a senior manager speaking broken English; they may struggle to command respect. If you ask me why, the answer is simply, "it is like that." Therefore, if you aim to progress, you must decide.
If you wish to pursue further studies and research, materials are available only in English. Wikipedia provides answers to numerous queries that we may not have learned in college, and many others may not be able to answer. We should also aspire to be global citizens. We are proud to be Indians, and we should also take pride in speaking good English. We are far superior to any other Asian country.
The lungi is a cool way to dress. Even white dhotis are also called lungis and are prestigious in South India, worn for noble occasions. However, one cannot attend a meeting wearing a lungi.
Corporates are highly influenced by the Western way of doing business, engaging with other countries. When foreign companies invest, they often have their representatives in the board of directors, showing that influence is also driven by the economy.
Even beggars in the US and London speak English. Therefore, knowing English is not a symbol of one's caliber. When you possess the caliber and are also savvy in English, you can access better opportunities.
Did you know that international speakers are paid $50,000 for one speech? If someone aims to grow, they must accept the truth that English is essential. Otherwise, continue debating and proving which language is superior, wasting your time (I was joking, okay).
Because of our proficiency in English, we are able to post, read, and comment on this site.
Regards
From India, Mumbai
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Somehow, the discussion is becoming heated, and it seems that a few individuals are taking it personally. I feel India was divided into many states based on language alone. Having the same language makes administration more convenient, yet we remain united. Previously, we were not united, and all the kings fought each other, especially just before colonization. However, in ancient India under great emperors, we were united, including Pakistan. Therefore, unity and division have occurred from time to time, not only in our country but also in great countries around the world. Thus, I do not agree that a language can unite a nation, but culture and geography can. The rest of Asia is influenced by Indian culture. The world and our society continue to prosper because of laws. Imagine if there were no laws; people would engage in killing, looting, rape, homicide, and genocide. Currently, this union of states known as India is trying to break the language barrier, not only within the country but also internationally for opportunities. Hindi is a fantastic language, and I love Hindi.
Especially for South Indians, English is the most commonly used language after their mother tongue. All languages in India, except Tamil (I am not familiar with any other language like that), originated from Sanskrit. I understand Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam as they are my mother tongue. I can communicate in all South Indian languages and Hindi, though I am not proficient. In the initial days of my career, English helped me connect with my customers in Bangalore. Later on, I also learned Kannada. India has many beautiful languages, but we need English for our growth.
I would like to address why candidates are rejected for not speaking good English. In my organization, I have never considered proficiency in English as a yardstick for selecting people at the frontline managerial level. However, if they had good English skills, they would have been more confident. It is akin to dressing up. Why do people dress well? The reasons people talk about are correct, but primarily it is to impress others and influence them as we desire. Additionally, factors such as gender, climate, culture, cost, and convenience are taken into account. People respect and adopt what is good; we cannot impose it upon them. English language is similar. Imagine a senior manager speaking broken English; they may struggle to command respect. If you ask me why, the answer is simply, "it is like that." Therefore, if you aim to progress, you must decide.
If you wish to pursue further studies and research, materials are available only in English. Wikipedia provides answers to numerous queries that we may not have learned in college, and many others may not be able to answer. We should also aspire to be global citizens. We are proud to be Indians, and we should also take pride in speaking good English. We are far superior to any other Asian country.
The lungi is a cool way to dress. Even white dhotis are also called lungis and are prestigious in South India, worn for noble occasions. However, one cannot attend a meeting wearing a lungi.
Corporates are highly influenced by the Western way of doing business, engaging with other countries. When foreign companies invest, they often have their representatives in the board of directors, showing that influence is also driven by the economy.
Even beggars in the US and London speak English. Therefore, knowing English is not a symbol of one's caliber. When you possess the caliber and are also savvy in English, you can access better opportunities.
Did you know that international speakers are paid $50,000 for one speech? If someone aims to grow, they must accept the truth that English is essential. Otherwise, continue debating and proving which language is superior, wasting your time (I was joking, okay).
Because of our proficiency in English, we are able to post, read, and comment on this site.
Regards
From India, Mumbai
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A blogger wrote a personal message to state that people did not appreciate my point of view and the debate has moved away from the topic. If that's the case, I am sorry.
Let me make certain things clear. Just because Hindi has been called the Matribhasha, it won't become the mother tongue of people whose mother tongue is Tamil, Bengali, etc. As I pointed out before, I know how to speak, read, and write in Hindi, Kannada, and English; I do not know how to read or write in my mother tongue, Tamil. Someone said in their response that it's a shame that people do not feel good to speak in their own mother tongue. You will be perhaps surprised if I tell you that a number of children born to first-generation immigrants in the UK do understand our mother tongues (we speak that at home).
Coming to the point of the discussion, I recall having to go to Calcutta (Present Kolkata) on duty from LRDE to inspect generators being manufactured. What language should I have used? Of course, in the 1960s, within the company, the supervisors and workers spoke in Bengali and spoke to me in English. We did not expect them to speak in fluent English. If a person did not know English, someone else would translate it for us.
In the era of Globalization, even the Chinese are learning English; I have taught over 40 Chinese students who came to study MBA. Even now, I am in touch with a few, and the common language is English. I am not defending the use of English, but it happens to be used more widely than any other language.
From United Kingdom
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Let me make certain things clear. Just because Hindi has been called the Matribhasha, it won't become the mother tongue of people whose mother tongue is Tamil, Bengali, etc. As I pointed out before, I know how to speak, read, and write in Hindi, Kannada, and English; I do not know how to read or write in my mother tongue, Tamil. Someone said in their response that it's a shame that people do not feel good to speak in their own mother tongue. You will be perhaps surprised if I tell you that a number of children born to first-generation immigrants in the UK do understand our mother tongues (we speak that at home).
Coming to the point of the discussion, I recall having to go to Calcutta (Present Kolkata) on duty from LRDE to inspect generators being manufactured. What language should I have used? Of course, in the 1960s, within the company, the supervisors and workers spoke in Bengali and spoke to me in English. We did not expect them to speak in fluent English. If a person did not know English, someone else would translate it for us.
In the era of Globalization, even the Chinese are learning English; I have taught over 40 Chinese students who came to study MBA. Even now, I am in touch with a few, and the common language is English. I am not defending the use of English, but it happens to be used more widely than any other language.
From United Kingdom
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