Would you ever put your life on line for the right to speak
English or in your respective native tongue? I consider my life a pretty steep
price for this and may not do so. However a group of university students in
East Pakistan who spoke Bengali, thought differently in the 1950’s. They
protested and four were killed which led to a day called “International Mother
Language Day” celebrated every February 21st.
Am sure that most of us have been in situations where
people spoke a different language and could not understand anything. Awkward
isn’t it? The thought of why can’t everyone just speak English has crossed many
of our minds.
Language is an important aspect of tradition and defines
who we are. Knowing your mother tongue gives you a foundation of understanding
your identity and with stronger identities and healthy well-beings you are more
likely to succeed in whatever you do.
Please think and address the following questions:
- Have you ever been in a situation where you meet someone who spoke a different language? Describe the situation? Were you comfortable? Was it hard to communicate? Do you hesitate to communicate because it is too difficult?
- The most difficult part of learning any language is understanding the meaning of words, and ultimately the use of slang. Let's make a list of sayings, expressions, words that would be difficult for a non-english speaking person to decipher.
- Are you willing to learn another language? Why / why not? If so, which language would you choose?
- Should we be an "English-Only" country? Organization?
http://www.earthtimes.org/politics/international-mother-language-day/2281/
