Liwanagan, Maryjoice C.

E068-ENL117

English: To Be or Not to Be (A Mother Tongue)

English enjoys a high status in our society because the language has a lot of prestige.
A lot of time and energy is spent in teaching and learning English in schools. Nevertheless, little
attention is paid to improving speaking skills in the average classroom. It is a false assumption
that learners acquire skills from common classroom activities or from instruction over a period
of time. As a result, learners are unable to develop this skill and feel less confident when
conversing in English.

Learning English as a second language is essential as it is the common language and

serves as the language all over the world. But we should don't neglect our native language and
be imprinted. It's part of your culture. Both are important in their own way. English is
important, but don't sacrifice your native language. Accept it or not, English is now an
international language. Our world needs an international language to move forward. In our
world, 53 countries already use English as their primary or official language. About 350 million
people in the world. Therefore, compared to Hindi, French, Spanish, etc. it is easy to make it a
common language in the world. But continue to learn your mother tongue as a colloquial
language for communication at home and in your country of residence. People who have lost
their native language cannot fully enjoy its culture and heritage. Mother tongue connects family
and society. Mother tongue has pride.

There is a sense of togetherness that can be found among people who speak the
same native language. This is not possible in a language that is a convenient language. Only
your mother tongue helps you best express your feelings in poetry, literature, and drama. So,
keep your mother tongue and learn English to reach the outside world. Learning your mother
tongue will make you known in your country. Learning English will make you and your language
(native) known all over the world.