IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH FOR THE YOUTH

With the constantly evolving technology in the telecommunications and IT enabled services sectors, and the giant contribution made by Indians in the global software and computer arena, those Indian techies who are well versed in English, stand to benefit tremendously from the myriad opportunities. Indians abroad are shouldering key responsibilities in large corporations as much due to their mastery over English as over their technical expertise. All over the world, speaking English immediately opens up opportunities. Being able to communicate with foreign clients and business partners will provide an edge over others for better positions in one’s career. English is thus a medium of communication in international trade. The knowledge of English is imperative in India to communicate and for transactions in inter-state business.

Thousands of citizens of developing countries including India are migrating every year to US in search of better fortunes either through admissions for higher studies or on work permits. For international careers in engineering, medicine, aviation and education, good knowledge of English is a must. In order to make a success of their dreams in the land of opportunities, it is essential that they possess a good knowledge of English. The world has become a global village and the significance of English cannot be over emphasized. Due to the latest technology, communications and the internet, all countries are coming closer. Information is shared instantly and almost all of these are through the English language, which is ensuring that the countries come virtually closer.
English is the medium of communication in the technologically advanced countries of the world. In the best universities for higher education which are mainly in the US, English is used as the scientific language for inventions and discoveries. There is a beeline by engineers and other professionals from all over the world including India for pursuing higher studies in US. As part of the admission process of most US universities, engineering graduates and graduates in other fields intending to pursue MS or PhD have to appear for an exam known as GRE (Graduate Record Examination). The GRE tests the students’ Quantitative abilities and Verbal abilities in English. In addition, the aspirants are tested in Analytical Writing. They are also required to appear for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Some American universities may ask aspirants for admission, to write the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) instead of TOEFL. The aspirants for higher studies are also required to write a Statement of Purpose, giving their career goals and analyzing their academic and professional achievements. Professionals seeking admission for MBA education in US schools of management have to appear for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam and are also tested in Analytical Writing. They have also to answer some questions put forth by the business schools as part of their application for admission. These require a fairly high level of knowledge of English, especially in the top US universities and management schools.
Apart from US, students also go for further education to countries like UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, etc, where English is the medium of instruction as also the mode of communication.
Thus it is up to parents, educators and policy makers to encourage the students to study English from a young age, for their own future and the progress of our Nation.