Language issue:
I have difficulties to understand the discussion and exchanges concerning
the languages to be taught in the schools in Goa. Some speak about the
importance of the universal pedagogical principle of educating children in
their native language. I think there should be an amendment to their way of
seeing things. I think that concept could be applied hundreds of years ago
when people did not move out of their little villages. I think, in a modern
world that we are living in, it would be a tragedy for the children in Goa
and elsewhere in India, if that concept is still applied.
We should not forget that if India is where it is now, it is to a large
extent because people in India speak English.
I do not see a problem if the children go to school and do their studies in
their mother's tougue. However, it is important for the current generation
to learn English too.
Working in an environment where representatives of 27 EU Member States and
more participate in meetings, I can tell you that those who have problems to
express themselves in English fail each time to achieve their aims. The
failure is mainly because of their ignorance of the English language.
We should also not forget that many thousands of people in India are
subcontracted by foreign companies to respond to international enquiries,
just because of their knowledge of English.
If any Goan living in a country outside India supports the idea that Konkani
and Marathi are enough to live in the modern world, then I have a problem to
understand them. My first question to them is: Are you using Konkani or
Marathi in your work?
People in Goa should know that we are living in a modern world and
consequently think in world terms and not village terms.
Goa is trying to expand its tourism potential? Is it addressed to Indian
tourists or to foreign tourists? Who brings in foreign currency? Those
speaking Konkani and Marathi or those speaking English?
Moreover, India is wellknown for its know-how in IT. Is the language used
Konkani, Marathi or English?
We need to think of the future of our children and guide them in the right
direction and I do not think that Konkani and Marathi will be sufficient to
make them successful .
I hope that those who will decide on the languages to be taught in the Goan
schools, will be bright enough to take the right decisions.
Amilca da Costa
Belgium
dacosta.amilcar at yahoo.com
