There is something to be said about the English language; it
is a unifier. In a world divided by caste creed, race religion and language, English
to a large extent, is a weapon that unites. English serves as weapon for those
who aspire to make the world one. It would seem, if one were so inclined to
believe, that English as a weapon is part of a slow insidious divine plan to
make human race one. Making English as a common language would be a giant step
towards making humanity one. Each nationality, race, caste will bring its own
flavour to the cauldron that will be an international English language. For
example, words like karma, guru, mantra etc., are India's contribution to the
English language. The English race inspires. What do we mean when we say the
english inspires. The sun never set on the British Empire. Or so it was said.
There have been other empires the great Roman Empire, the Cholas of the south
of India, the great Greeks, who gave us the philosophy. The Indian philosophy
deep as it could not have much influence in the modern day to day after
affairs.
Now, coming back to the main point: English. Proficiency in
the English language may be considered as a badge of honour, for those so
inclined. In a country like India, proficiency in the English is looked upon
with respect. Even those who are illiterate, or have been educated in another
medium aspire to speak English. Thus the English language may be a unification
factor in a world- so divided. We all aspire to greatness. The English language
may be a ladder. Otherwise we may suffer a serious handicap. We have to go with
the flow. Some may say that English is the language of our rulers- our
oppressors. And so we should shun the English language. There are others who
say we must preserve our native languages. However, one believes that even if
the native languages die, it is only natural, from a utilitarian point of view.
We should be practical. Let us talk about commonality, about oneness; not
divisiveness.
We will do well to realise that we are all brothers and
sisters. We are all in the same boat. There is no us versus them. Thus let us
curse in the English language and let us bless in the English language.
Whatever that is there, belongs to the whole of humanity; the collective
humanity. We feel a sense of oneness when we speak a common language. Thus we
go for English, Winglish; as we say in India.
Edward Lotha,
Advocate and author of the book “One leaf at a time”.
