Essay on The Importance of the English Language | Unique Essay

 

The Importance of the English Language

The importance of the English language cannot be denied. It is an international language. It is the result of the constant efforts of English-speaking writers and scientists who have produced an amazingly large number of books in every faculty of Arts, Science, and culture during the last four centuries. English has attained this importance partly due to the British Rule over a large part of the world and partly because of the recent global influence of the U.S.A.

When the English came to India and established business contacts with the people of the sub-continent, they, of course, brought their language with them. Later on, they became rulers and English acquired the status of the official language of the land. Those who were interested in getting government jobs or learning science or becoming doctors or engineers had to learn English. Now it is the medium of instruction in schools and colleges of the upper class. It is the medium of instruction at the university level, in all the professional colleges and research centers of Pakistan. 

It is not easy to learn English. Its spellings and pronunciations are very irregular and grammar is quite complicated. But its benefits are so great that we cannot do well without it. Although people speaking languages other than English have also made great progress in all fields of knowledge, yet their languages are no match for English. We can give a few examples in support of our argument. There is no field of knowledge in which quite a sufficient number of books have not been written or translated from other languages into English.

There is no such book as Encyclopedia Britannica and Twentieth Century Dictionary in any other language of the world. Have a look at the works of Sir Walter Scott, William Shakespeare, or any other author! One cannot help appreciating the beauty of the language and the loftiness of thought. If someone wants to study science or wishes to do some research work, learning English is absolutely necessary. Thorough knowledge of English is essential for becoming, a good doctor, engineer, banker, businessman, or any other professionalist. All the important books written in any other language of the world have been translated into English; while all the English books have not been translated in any language of the world. English is certainly necessary for anyone entering government service, trade, or the legal profession. All the office works are done in English. Lawyers cannot plead in High Court and Supreme Court without it. All the P.L.Ds. are printed in English.

The vastness of areas over which English is understood today, along with the advancement of the English-speaking nations, gives great importance to it. Under-developed countries like Pakistan cannot afford to waste their time and energy in making independent researches and discoveries in various fields of science and technology. By learning English we can have easy access to the great treasure of knowledge and can share it with developed nations of the world. If we try to popularise English in Pakistan, we can put our country on the road to progress and prosperity.

Lastly, English is a noble language and possesses one of the finest kinds of literature in the world. Its knowledge is a key to the "Kings' Treasures" as Ruskin called the books. Learning a language brings us closer to the people who speak it. Thus by learning English we can mold the world opinion in our favor. We can establish social, commercial, and political relations with English-speaking countries of the world. It would be no exaggeration to say that English is absolutely important for any individual or nation who wishes to progress.