English as 1st language vs English as 2nd language India: A Case Study

Abstract

“Viewed freely, the English language is the accretion and growth of every dialect, race, and range of time, and is both the free and compacted composition of all.”-Walt WhitmanIt is often said “language is the vehicle for inter and intra communication. It is the tool to communicate across geographical boundaries”. All humans have an innate capability to acquire language. The learning of first language is a natural process and this language is termed as native language or mother tongue. In addition to first language, the language that we acquire is termed as the second language. English is the major language used for international communication. India is a country which has different languages, customs, cultures and rituals. English is an official language as well as an important language in India. It is considered as a gift that was given to the Indians by the British. And yes, it is absolutely true that most of the Indians thought English is a prestigious language and by using it one can acquire better education, better culture and higher intellect too.English is an essential language because knowledge of English is required in many fields, professions and occupations. “English language stood strong here in India against all tests of time”. In today’s world people realize the importance of English. It is the most widely spoken native language in the world. English is indisputably the primary language of global trade and commerce. To survive in this modern era, it is necessary to acquire basic knowledge in English language.This paper will make an attempt to show how useful English is as a first language and as a second language. It also gives us an idea of how English reached India and evolved here through ages as the most important language of education and research. It also deals with the advantages and disadvantages of acquiring English as a first language and second language. It will also show how English became a significant language in India as well as different parts of the world and why is it so necessary to grasp hold of the language as a key to success in the outside world. And finally, we discuss about what are the flaws and leads in keeping the global language as a native tongue or a contingent language to be supported by another language.