The Great English Language Trouble
Survey reflects the plight of Indians who appear for English tests for better prospects or to move abroad, experts step in to give advice
They say English is a funny language. Thanks to the puns, the idioms, quirky bits, and confusing homophones (to, too, two spelt differently, yet pronounced alike). But Oh dear! (not deer) not everyone is finding it funny, especially people who are trying to move into foreign countries and fit in their cultures. A recent Pearson Study reveals that almost 62% of Indian English test-takers believed that their Indian accent was used against them when it came to their speaking test outcomes. A staggering 74% believed their appearance altered the test scores. Amit Hattiangadi, an Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Mumbai says, “The English is a double-edged sword where one who is fluent in the lang thrives in their professional lives”. He opines that English tends to bring people together.
Tongue In Cheek
It is interesting to know that according to the 2023 edition of the English Proficiency Index, most Indians speak English as a foreign language. India also ranked #60 in the world with an EPI score of 500 on 800 points. Despite these impressive numbers, Indian test-takers are on shaky waters when it comes to tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or even TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication).
Hard-Hitting Facts
The Pearson Survey had 1,000 Indian respondents.
Nearly 59% of them believed that they would be treated differently due to their skin tone.
63% of the test-takers from states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu questioned their regional language accents. They thought that trying to filter their regional language accent from their English-speaking ways would help positively impact their scores.
Innate Insecurities
Given the many challenges with English speaking, working on improving the way one speaks, pronounces and navigates through the language could help get rid of insecurities. “I think the insecurity about the
English language is more about not having enough words or grammar to make sentences or think in English as it is not our first language” says Dr. Ivan John, an Asst. Teacher in Sociology from Mumbai.
Dr Ivan opines that many Indians think in their native language and then attempt to translate the same in English. Implying that most may fail in doing this, as people aren’t trained enough to think and speak both, in English.
Kavita Gursahani, Lecturerat ISEFAC, Aix-en-Provence, France believes that it’s not the English accent that matters. Kavita quips, “People who take tests just don’t follow instructions.”
She points out how in atest like IELTS or any other, the marking scheme matters a lot. For instance, if you are asked to write a 250-word essay, you stick to 250 words (-/+ 10 %). Any deviation and you may find yourself under the wrath of negative marking which could make or break your score. Kavita opines that it’s time Indian test-takers ponder over minor errors that could cost them a lot. For those who plan on taking such an English Proficiency test, Kavita’s advice is: “Try to focus on the way you speak English.”
Kavita explains that people should pay attention to their pronunciation. This can be done by reducing bits of their own mother tongue while they try to communicate in English. “English has a rhythm which needs accentuating on certain parts of the sentence and also the words themselves depending on the function. An identical word like ‘present’ changes when it’s a verb or a noun,” she says.
Strong Regional Hold
Regional languages may have a strong hold on foreign languages, English is no exception. Amit believes that English comes in primarily as a secondary alternative. From
aiding in job-related interviews, preparing for exams or even
acting as a booster to professional commitments. Also, the way a person speaks English may be influenced by a plethora of factors like one’s upbringing, interpersonal communication skills or the amount of time one has invested in polishing any foreign language that one learns.
Dr Ivan opines that the peculiarities that come with the English language do not always have regional limitations. He says, “There are people from different corners of India who speak English with a prolific accent and this also depends on one’s schooling system or immediate environment”
True To Roots
English may come across as a language important enough for administrative or academic purposes. However, it could yet have limitations in terms of expression that other regional languages would not. For instance, the same sentiment conveyed in a regional language may have more depth and better simplicity.
Amit says, “Many times, the English language can act as a catalyst in fuelling a classist mentality”. The findings of the survey make it clear that it's time people set free from the shackles of judging themselves based on the mere scores of a test. One may give English its due respect and weightage as and when required.