In the recent times we have seen the importance of speaking local languages. Be it Marathi, Gujrati, Kannada or Tamil. Everyday the newspaper has some incident or the other regarding the same, recent one being to make Kannada the primary language in the school (Bangalore, Karnataka).
Well for one thing, I am all in for learning a new language. I would definitely encourage my child to do so. But when the language that is used as a means of communication between two people, becomes the reason of fights and misunderstandings, that’s when I call it a halt. After all, why do we speak? To get across our message to the other person. Well that, a one year old child to can do and that to without using words. We are not children, right, absolutely, then why behave like them. Why cannot we act like adults and get to the root of a problem. One has to understand that forcing someone and making it mandatory is not the answer to any problem. Because we are unable to speak a language, we might just not be able to be accepted in that city. I know for one, when ever I visit Chennai, it is a headache, as they only know Tamil. And if you go there you should have a resident of Chennai along with you as a must or should know the local language. Another thing that I have gone through is with the auto rickshaws, one asked us to go back to Pakistan, why because we weren’t speaking in Kannada (local language). I replied back saying that Kannada is the local language, but Hindi is the national language, I may be accepted anywhere in India or the world, but what about you. You are stuck up in one place only. Change your thinking .
Now similar is the situation happening in schools. Forcing the child may just lead him to dislike the language. Hence a different approach should be undertaken. I read once about a person who knew 26 languages and the beauty of it was that if he spoke in say Hindi, he spoke with such mastery that people thought that this person knows nothing other than Hindi.
I believe that it is a necessity to learn the local language, but also an advantage. India is a beautiful country with many religions and traditions. We are also considered as intellectuals and there is a high demand for the Indian mind. Learning something new does wonders to our mind, keeping it sharp and focused. The way one approaches a situation is what matters.
Regards,
Farida H B
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