LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 21:8 August 2021
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
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         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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English Language Teaching in India: Literature an Effective Tool

Dr. Namita Laxmi Jagaddeb, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. in English


Abstract

Literary pieces can be of immense help in the teaching-learning situation of English in India, particularly at the secondary and higher secondary levels, where English is being taught mostly as a second language. Literary works allow the learner sufficient exposure to free and natural use of English, the command of which will enable him to effectively communicate in various situations as would be required of him in the event of his participation in events and activities at national and international spheres. Further, literature provides the much-needed cultural orientation which strengthens leaner’s competence of the language and at the same time, inculcates in him the cherished values of life. Thus, the textbooks should be contextualized so as to contain a judicious mix of culture-rich good Indian writings in English and suitable pieces of English literary works, if necessary, adapted or simplified for this purpose. However, materials should be chosen keeping in view the grades and linguistic capacities of students. In any case, such materials ought to be interesting, educative, and eminently readable. This will facilitate classroom presentation of literary works for the teacher. The teacher must employ innovative techniques to secure students’ involvement and interest. Different forms of literature require different treatment for effective teaching. While, for instance, teaching of poetry that embodies poet’s imaginative experience through emotive language needs special strategy for evoking similar interest in the learner, teaching of fiction or play requires techniques suitable for such specific forms and thereby to teach language skills accordingly. The appeal of literary works will help the learners acquire communicative skills of language in an efficient and abiding manner.

Keywords: ELI in India, literature, effective teaching, language skills

Introduction

The importance of teaching English in India needs no restatement specifically in view of the recent phenomenal rise in demand for acquiring proficiency in the language in the context of fast globalisation, where India has emerged as a front runner. English, by all accounts, is now the most preferred language across the globe. Verghese calls it “a world language" (Verghese 5), Quirk terms it as "the most international of all languages" (Quirk 5). In India, it has secured a special place not only because of its global acceptability and pre-eminence but more so for its inescapability in the multi-lingual, multi-cultural ways of Indian life. By virtue of long historical association, English has already made a very significant impact on the cultural life of India. It is, so to speak, a lingua franca for Indians of different states and regions who speak diverse languages. As an official language, it is regularly used in crucial spheres of public activities such as in the administration, legislative and the judiciary. Presently, it is the most sought-after language in the socio-political and cultural discourses; the language of trade, commerce, science, technology; the language for international communication. With the rapid globalisation, English is now being popularly perceived as "the language of opportunity and empowerment" (Patnaik 308). Thus, in the present situation, it is imperative that in keeping with the national objectives of education, the curriculum designers, textbook framers and teachers of English should adopt innovative initiatives with a view to delivering effective teaching for developing communicative skills of learners in the language and enabling them to participate effectively in the dynamics of national life as well as in the global arena.

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to show how significant is literature for teaching of English in India particularly at the Secondary and Higher Secondary level of education, where English is being taught as a second language and how literature as an effective tool can be suitably utilized for teaching language skills and helping learners acquire functional, communicative competence in the use of English.


This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.


Dr Namita

Dr. Namita Laxmi Jagaddeb, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. in English
Lecturer in English, Mahima Degree College, Bijapali
At-Bijapali, P.O- Panchgaon 768226, Dist- Jharsuguda
Odisha, India
njagaddeb@gmail.com

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