Not for a minute do I want to trivialize the importance of the subject itself. However, the way the topic has manifested itself and the direction it has taken are something we need to closely introspect.
Coming back to the topic itself, I am a big supporter of the MOI being in the local language until middle school with English as a subject. One of the key element of local identify is our language which is unfortunately losing out. The number of Goans who use Konkani as a language of communication is dwindling at a rapid pace. What recourse do we have before we lose our language itself?
I am aware of the argument that English is an extremely important language and very important in the workplace. But should this argument impact the current risk we face of losing our identity? I believe the current generation is exposed to English in many forms and hence masters the language through many other means.
Are we forsaking our identify and future by promoting English as a MOI?
1 comment:
I wish I could agree with your views on MOI. I am also a strong supporter of Konkani language. Twenty years ago,those in charge of Goa's administration took a political decision of discontinuing teaching in English language and introduce konkani/marathi as MOI.
For the last 20 years what we have been doing is just promoting Marathi language under the garb that konkani is a our official language. Indeed organisation like Konkani Basha Mandal have not done anything substantial to inculcate in the minds of Goans the love for Konkani. They have been only busy in protecting the Devanagri script and opposing tooth and nail the development of Roman script. Use of Roman Script would have been of great advantage to the christian population whose children had opted mainly for Konkani MOI in aided schools schools, while the rich sent their children to Schools with MOI as English and others to schools with Marathi as MOI.
Your contention that children should be studying in local language until middle school and then switch over to English is fundamentally flawed. Here are the reasons
a. A child can pick up initial learning in any language provided the teaching is done systematically using correct methodology, proper teaching aids and with appropriate infrastructure. The student teacher ratio should be optimal so that each student gets sufficient individual attention and remedial measures can be taken to overcome any shortcomings.
b. Once a child is initiated in a particular language the study should continue until at least class VIII. This helps the child to assimilate all the elements of the language correctly.
c. Students in Goa who initiate their learning in a local language then suddenly change over to English medium in class V are put to a serious disadvantage. Once they are in in class V teachers concentrate on the subject matter and very little on the basics of the language. Covering the portion takes the priority. Such students do not become fluent in English but in Konklish. Such students find it difficult to compete with those who had education in schools having MOI English right from class I, when they seek admission for professional courses or employment
d. Goa enjoys an unique position on account of very wide use of English languages in many practical situations specially as far job opportunities and higher education are concerned. Knowledge of local language however advanced may not ensure a satisfactory and lucrative employment.
The main problem in Goa, we confuse between MOI of instruction and preservation of local language and its culture. Any one with few grains of commonsense will realise that by forcing students to study upto class IV in local languages will empower them to embrace the language is far fetched. Those who shout at the top of their voices opposing English as MOI have two motives, to gain political mileage and preservation of Marathi language. They love for Konkani is just a lip service.
I agree with you that both the local language and Goan culture need to be preserved. This can be achieved:
i. Local language has to be taught compulsorily in the schools from classes V to X
ii. Our Socio-cultural organisations must undertake various social and cultural activities, dramatics, competitions and quality stage shows. We need new ideas and innovative methods to attract the new generations to appreciate and participate in the promotion of our traditional Goans ways. Only our Goan Identity will not be forsaken.
Antonio Diniz
( Retired teacher, Academic counselor and teacher trainer)
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