Now,road to English language to begin with mother tongue

The aim behind compiling these words,according to Professor Sarwal,was to use one’s mother tongue to teach the English language.

“If encouraged to learn English by beginning with words that are known to them,the ice between learners and the English language will start thawing,” Professor Sarwal says.

He says now learning a language will no longer be a burden. “Rather,it will be fun,as the learner will be able to identify with what is being taught. Many new words in English have been introduced only around 10 years ago and have no substitute in any other language. For example,words like ‘computer’,‘keyboard’ and ‘mouse’ have no substitutes. And learners even in the most rural areas know these words. If they are incorporated while teaching the language,learning would be much easier.”

Using these words with the technique of developmental teaching,Panjab University has asked Professor Sarwal to write a book for the Adult and Continuing Studies department.

The book is being co-authored by Robin Diallo,linguistics teacher and the first secretary of the American Embassy in India.

In the book,local languages will be incorporated,wherever possible,with literature from America,Africa,Australia and other countries.

Professor Sarwal says,“We need to change our approach of teaching English and that is what the book would try to achieve.”