WE live in a country where learning the English language is frowned upon by many. While there are two schools of thought in Pakistan with regards to the matter, the majority, unfortunately, dislikes the idea of teaching and learning English. The majority thinks that learning English would somehow dent the national language.

Since when has it become a crime to learn a language other than your mother tongue? Why do we forget that our forefathers spent 90 years in a society where the official language was English? It is widely spoken all over the world and is the official language of many developed countries that are scientifically advanced than us.

Learning English does not mean that Urdu is looked down upon. Urdu has its own unique place in our culture and country. No other language can take its place. Having said that, we should learn not only English, but other modern languages too.

Shahnawaz Brohi

Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2020