THIS is in response to the article, ‘Language of instruction’ (June 10). English is not merely a colonial language as is considered by some people; it is an international language and is playing a vital role in this globised modern world. It should remain medium of instruction for Pakistan.

It does not mean that our national language Urdu and other regional languages should be discarded. The use of our national language, mother tongues and also regional languages should be encouraged during the academic instructions.

Seeing the diversity of cultures and traditions in our country, an environment should be made possible to adopt Pakistani English as medium of institution as advocated by the sociolinguistic scholars like Dr Sabiha Mansoor and Tariq Rahman in their research surveys about the language of instruction.

When Braj B. Kachru, an Indian linguistic, emphasises the use of Indian English in his The Indianization of English published by Oxford in 1983, then why cannot Pakistani English be adopted as a language of instruction?

TAHIR NIAZI Lahore

Opinion

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.