"The importance of English language has been recognised at national, regional and global levels. Global trends in education, technology, and business suggest that English as a world language will play a significant role in the years to come."
This was stated by Sindh Education Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro, who was the chief guest at the inaugural session of a two-day international seminar titled "Language, Culture, and Identity: Issues and Challenges" that concluded on July 17, 2005. The seminar was organised by Aga Khan University (AKU) Centre of English Language (CEL).
The prime objective of the seminar was to address issues related to culture and identity in learning a foreign or second language, such as English, and to provide English language teaching (ELT) professionals the opportunity to develop strategies for addressing relevant issues and emerging challenges in Pakistan in particular, and the region in general.
Addressing English language teachers and educationists from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Syria, Malaysia, and the UK, as well as faculty, staff and students of the University, Dr Khuhro said the rapid spread of English has serious implications for all developing countries, including Pakistan, and "the role of English for access to higher education is undeniable, and the government fully realises this fact."
Dr Khuhro noted that English as a medium of instruction in higher education in Pakistan demands the introduction of efficient and suitable English language programmes which provide support to students with limited English proficiency on the basis of access and equity.
"There is an urgent need to train teachers especially from the public sector schools, colleges, and universities in the latest English language teaching approaches and methodologies to enhance the proficiency of their students", the minister pointed out. Dr Hamida Khuhro assured that she would support the idea of introducing multilingualism in the classroom in order that students develop command also over their own mother tongues.
The minister praised the Centre of English language at AKU for playing its due role in contributing to the development of English language teaching in Pakistan and the region, terming the seminar an effort in that direction.
Dr Rama Kant Agnihotri from Delhi University, in his key-note speech, highlighted the importance of human multilinguality in the march towards peace, justice, and equality, saying there was a positive relationship between multilingualism mental growth and educational achievement, which pointed to the need for promoting multilingual education in schools.
On this occasion, Aga Khan University President Shamsh Kassim Lakha described the theme of the seminar as highly relevant in the present multilingual and multicultural societies where the learning and teaching of an international language, such as English, is imperative for, amongst other reasons, economic advancement.-PR