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Essay on The Need of English for Science Students

The importance of English cannot be ignored. It has become the international medium of communication because before World War II, the English People dominated the world and after World War II the Americans, who also speak English, dominate the world. But the importance of English in Pakistan is far greater than in other countries. To speak English is considered by people as something very superior and those who speak English consider themselves to be more cultured. Using English wards in daily Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi and Pakhtoon conversations has become the fashion and all persons using these words foci proud of this. Under these circumstances, when the entire nation has become mental slave of her former masters, the importance of English cannot be ignored.

Another important reason for adopting English as medium of instruction is that we do not have books on scientific and technical subjects in Urdu or provincial dialects and those available arc substandard as far matter is concerned. Under these circumstances we have no option but to learn English and continue to keep English as medium of instruction in our country, those who are learned and considered authorities on their subjects do not bother to write books in Urdu. They feel that they can better express their thoughts in English.

Students in general and science students in particular have no option but to learn English in colleges and universities they are given lectures in English Standard books on all subjects are available in English. The research materials are available in English. In examinations they must answer in English And believe me, the students up to intermediate level feel that they will get better marks if they submit their answer in English.

There is another important reason for learning English and continuing keep it as medium of instruction. Though Urdu has been declared as national language, English is used everywhere. The government files arc maintained in English and all official correspondence is done in English. In banks, insurance companies, factories and other offices English is used. In courts the medium of expression is English. Traders prefer to advertise in English and even the Pakistan television gives the schedule of its daily programme in English. Such being the importance’s given to English why should the students not learn English.

Our postgraduate students need to go to America or England for further studies and for doctorate. These countries do not give educational visas to those who are not able to pass the language examinations conducted by them. In our own countries we lack the research facilities which are available there. We must, therefore, continue to learn English and to keep English as a medium of instruction.

For our scientists, technicians, engineers and experts English will be always needed to keep in touch with the scientific and technical developments taking place abroad. Our own national language is not going to have such books for decades to conic and if we do not learn English we will remain ignorant or lag behind in the race for technical knowledge. One important thing must not be ignored. Due to fast developing regional prejudices and hatreds, it is only English that can provide the best link between people of all regions and us such English should be continued as medium of instruction and must he made compulsory from primary level.