question_answer 10)

Is it possible to carry pride in one’s language too far? Do you know what linguistic chauvinism’ means?    

Answer:

'Linguistic chauvinism' means an unreasoning, ovcrenthusiastic, and aggressive loyalist attitude towards one's own language. Language is much more than a means of communication—it is a vehicle to propagate your culture, customs, and mores etc. Hence, its importance is immeasurable. But, in an era of globalization, one needs to have a more practical and realistic view of the situation.   For example, BPO and IT industries today employ people who are conversant with the English language. The salary differences between equally qualified persons who can and cannot speak English can be as high as 400 to 500 per cent. Infact, the best jobs with the upmarket sectors are reserved for those who can speak English. Consequently, there is already a serious shortage of employable human resources in the service sector. The Chinese apparently hired football stadiums to teach the English language and enhance employment opportunities.   In India, language chauvinism bars a frank discussion or an acknowledgement that English is now the global language of commerce. In his Independence Day address in August 2004, President A.P.J.Abdut Kalam talked about the need to achieve 100 per cent literacy. The bigger challenge in the coming years will be to adapt our school and college curricula to meet the demands of changing society, job market, and individual aspirations. This will mean inclusion of language skills.