A Critical Study of Significance of English Language in India

Abstract

In the 21st century many changes in science and technology are taking place so also in common sense, education and approaches towards human life. In this backdrop, the English language has been indispensable to modern education system for Indian people. The language came to India with the British and has intermixed with the local, social, cultural, economic, political, and legal aspects of the people. The emancipation of the people especially from the down trodden and marginalized communities who have been victimized through language for many years now, have started thinking unfailingly for a language in which they can live and survive, they can read and write and express themselves without any restrictions. In such a situation, they have adopted and mastered the English language when they came to know that the English language and knowledge can emancipate them from any kind of bondage, superstition and ignorance. They have accepted that it is not only the most powerful language of the world but also can give them the space, they needed for thousands and thousands of years. Now, the middle classes, the marginalized and neglected people of India have understood the real meaning of the English language for their study, research, expression and knowing the truth of the world that were untold to them by anyone. With the knowledge of English language, they are now able to get good education, good jobs, reputation, social prestige, and making their life better. The modern development in the field of science and technology, moreover, information and communication and the craving of freedom to reaching out to the unreached have made them to learn English language for their own survival and development.