Communication in English: A Need of the Hour
Learning English is a life skill that shapes academic success, career opportunities, and global communication. English curriculum is in every stream including Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, Engineering, etc. If an individual learns and speaks English, he/she can understand textbooks, attends seminars, writes assignments, participates in presentations, and most importantly face placement interviews. It’s a global language and plays crucial role in communication.
However, it is found that many students, who come from rural backgrounds, are afraid in speaking English. For them, speaking English is a unique challenge. They often get subject knowledge and pass in the subject, yet hesitate to express their ideas in English. The fear of making grammatical mistakes, incorrect pronunciation, or being judged by classmates prevents them from speaking confidently. As a result, many students remain silent during classroom discussions, seminars, group activities, and interviews even though they have knowledge and ideas.
One of the main reasons behind this problem is traditional approach to English language teaching. In many colleges, English is taught as an examination subject rather than as a practical means of communication. Students have been given very few opportunities to speak the language in meaningful situations.
To motivate students to speak English without fear and to grow their confidence, the teachers should come forward with innovative ideas and these ideas should be applied in the classroom. College classrooms should be shifted in activity rooms where there should be activity-based learning that can significantly improve students' communication skills. Activities such as; Pair conversations, role plays, group discussions, debates, storytelling, picture descriptions, presentations, and mock interviews provide students with opportunities to use English in realistic contexts. These activities can transform passive rural learners into active participants and can encourage them to communicate without fear.
The teachers can effectively use audio-visual resources such as educational videos, documentaries, digital presentations, and use of English language software in language labs that can help students develop their communication skills. Throughout these resources, students will improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence while making the learning process more interesting. A supportive classroom atmosphere builds confidence among students far more effectively.
Notably, one should not consider his/her mother tongue inferior. There is no doubt that a student's native language reflects identity, culture, and values. However, becoming proficient in English simply means acquiring an additional skill that enhances academic and professional growth while preserving cultural roots. Studies show that multilingual students often possess stronger cognitive and communication abilities than those who know only one language.
College students should start speaking English with simple sentences during everyday interactions. In college, they can greet friends in English, discuss assignments, issue books in the library, create a friend circle where they can converse in English, read newspapers, listen to English speeches, cricket commentary as well as, while practicing individually, they can record their own voice and monitor their progress. These practices will boost their confidence and reduce their fear of speaking English.
To sum up, English plays a crucial role in job interviews, business communication, and everyday conversation. By replacing traditional teaching methods with activity-based learning, and encouraging continuous practice, the teachers can create confident communicators who will be well-prepared for academic and professional success.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Dayanand College of Commerce, Latur.)
Comments