Is Learning English More Important Than Learning Local Languages? | Band 7.5 IELTS Essay Sample
Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out. In your opinion, is it important to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival of local languages and so, how?
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Band 7.5 IELTS Essay Sample
Language is crucial for expressing ideas and emotions. Although there are numerous languages in the world in my opinion it is important for everyone to learn English because of its reach; however, I also believe that it is equally important to ensure the survival of local languages.
One’s native language represents one’s culture. It is a cultural heirloom that belongs to the entire community. I am of the opinion that literature in our local language teaches us a lot of values which are required for protecting our identity in this world of commercialization and globalization.
By contrast, English is a language widely used all over the world. It is usually taught in school along with other local languages. It serves as a bridge between people whose first language is different. Moreover English literature is rich in history, values and ethics. Being able to read and write English is no doubt an achievement in this age of globalization. Hence I reemphasize the importance of learning English.
However, preserving local languages is as important as learning English. If local languages are not taught, they will soon become extinct. Therefore, efforts have to be made to ensure their survival. A good solution is to teach both the languages at school. Parents should make it a point to converse with their children in their mother tongue. Schools should also enact plays in local languages and organize reading sessions. For instance, we were taught English and Sanskrit) in school and every afternoon for about fifteen minutes, five students each had to read a few pages of the holy book Bhagavad-Gita which is written in Sanskrit . This made sure that all students learnt the language.
To summarize, English ensures barrier free communication among people and local languages help us carry forward our culture to the future generations; therefore I cannot stop emphasizing the importance of learning and teaching both the languages.
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