Are English language and Mother tongue competing our lives?
In many ways, English and one’s mother tongue (or native language) *can* compete in people’s lives, especially in a globalized world where English is often seen as the dominant language for business, technology, education, and even entertainment. This competition can create both opportunities and challenges, depending on the context and the individual’s situation.
### **How English and Mother Tongue Might Compete:**
1. **Language Shift and Identity:**
* In many communities, there’s a shift toward using English in daily life, sometimes at the expense of the mother tongue. This can lead to a gradual loss of native languages, especially in younger generations who may be more exposed to English through school, media, or the internet.
* When children learn English as their second language, they may begin to prioritize it, often because it feels more “global” or “useful” for career opportunities. This can sometimes lead to the diminishing importance of the mother tongue, especially if it’s not being actively spoken at home or in the community.
* On the flip side, for some people, their native language is a key part of their identity, culture, and sense of belonging. Losing or neglecting their mother tongue could feel like losing a connection to their heritage and family history.
2. **Bilingualism and Cognitive Load:**
* On a practical level, speaking both English and a mother tongue (especially in bilingual or multilingual societies) means constantly switching between languages. This “code-switching” can be mentally demanding, especially in fast-paced conversations or academic settings.
* Some people feel that they must choose one language for certain contexts (e.g., speaking English at work and the mother tongue at home) which can create a kind of internal conflict or pressure to “perform” in both languages.
3. **Language Learning and Skill Development:**
* Learning English can be seen as an economic advantage in many parts of the world, as it’s the language of international business, science, and technology. As a result, many students spend a lot of time learning English, sometimes at the expense of developing strong skills in their native language.
* In some cases, this can lead to “English dominance,” where people become fluent in English but lose proficiency in their first language over time, especially if English is used predominantly in school, work, or digital spaces.
4. **Social and Cultural Expectations:**
* In some societies, speaking English well is often associated with status, intelligence, or modernity. This can make individuals feel like they need to prioritize English, even if it comes at the cost of their cultural language.
* There can also be social pressure to “fit in” by adopting English in social media, education, or professional settings. This creates a situation where the mother tongue may be relegated to more informal or private spaces (like home or among close friends), while English takes precedence in public life.
### **Balancing Both Languages:**
While English and a mother tongue can sometimes “compete” for space in people’s lives, it’s possible to strike a balance between the two:
* **Language Preservation:** Many people actively work to preserve their mother tongue by teaching it to their children, using it in daily conversations, or even engaging in cultural activities that promote its use.
* **Bilingual Education:** In many parts of the world, bilingual education programs are designed to help students maintain fluency in both languages. This allows them to participate in global opportunities while also staying connected to their roots.
* **Cultural Celebrations:** In a world where English is dominant in the media, people often turn to music, literature, traditions, and festivals in their native language to keep it alive. This reinforces the importance of the mother tongue as a cultural asset, not just a means of communication.
### **English as a Global Connector:**
It’s also worth noting that English, while seen as a “global” language, is not necessarily replacing mother tongues everywhere. In fact, it often serves as a bridge language that enables people from different linguistic backgrounds to communicate with each other. Many people are multilingual, using English in one context (e.g., work or travel) and their mother tongue in another (e.g., at home or in their local community).
So, in a sense, English and a mother tongue don’t have to be in competition; they can coexist in ways that enrich a person’s life. The challenge is ensuring that both languages are valued and nurtured, rather than one being overshadowed by the other.