LanguageWhat it is?

Nature of English language

English Language- Characteristics

• It is extraordinarily receptive and adaptable.

• Simplicity of inflexion- change in variations, the relationship of words in a sentence.

• English has relatively fixed word order

• Development of new variety of intonation to express the shades of meaning

• Intonation – Musical and rhythmic patterns and use of punctuations

• As per the recommendations of Education Commission 1964-66 following language formula was suggested:

• Only one regional language will be taught from class 1 to 4.

• Two languages from class 5 to 7 one of them being regional language second may be Hindi or English

• Three language will be taught from class 8 to 10.

(one regional other Hindi and English)

English can be learnt for a minimum period of three years only from class VIII to X.

The commission also recommends two levels of achievement at the school stage one for those who learn English from class V and another for those who study it from class VIII

The commission also made it clear that no language should be made compulsory after class X which gives full scope for those who are are not interested to study English further.

Thus English may be compulsory at school level for a limited number of years.

At present in Maharashtra English is a compulsory subject from the 1st standard of primary school. English is being introduced at at the primary level as a complement to the mother tongue which has been the medium of instruction.

Place of English in School curriculum

Three language formulaMother tongue

National language International language

As per three language formula the language teaching in English medium school would be:

International language – English

National language – Hindi

Mother tongue – Marathi , Telugu For Marathi Medium or vernacular medium

school

Mother tongue - Marathi,Gujarati

National language – Hindi

International language – English

As per the resolution of Maharashtra state government, English has been taught from the 1st standard from June 2000. This indicates that most of the states are following the three language formula with some modification .

In the present school curriculum English is not only the medium of instruction but it is learnt and taught from the practical point of view.

The main purpose of teaching English is to equip learner with the language skills for personal ,academic and professional life. The focus is more on skill rather than content.

More on language ability than on literary appreciation

The current syllabus (after 1999) is skill based and the aim of which is to develop communicative competence among learners.

Objectives of English as first languageWhere English is practiced as the 1st language ,

the aim is not just language development or LSRW skills but also literary development and appreciation for the language is stressed upon.

1. To enable the pupils to acquire knowledge of the basic structure of the language (grammar and idioms etc.) enrich their vocabulary and develop the ability of word building.

2.Develop listening comprehension

3. Develop reading skill appropriate for understanding literary texts as well as acquire the skills of reading aloud with proper articulation and intonation.

4.Acquire the ability to make notes or prepare reports of conversations,interviews,radio talks etc

5.Develop oral skills to answer questions and narrate incidents and experiences,take part in discussions and express ideas and feelongs correctly,clearly and coherently

6.Develop the skills of writing letters,stories,essays , dialogues.

7.Get acquainted with the important works of great writers and poets.

8.Develop the ability to use the language for the development of personality , the building of character and participation in social life.

9.Enjoy and appreciate the language and its literature.

10.To create interest about other language.

Objectives of English as 3rd language