English Language in Pakistan

English Language Usage and Learning in Pakistan

How can the area of your variety be characterized with respect to its historical and current population structure and political situation?

(especially in so far as these have consequences for the language situation). When did English arrive in your area, who brought it there, and why? When and how did English spread and develop? Was it English initially used only by native-speaking in-migrants, or also by the indigenous population? Are there any other language spoken in your area? If so, which? Have there been later settler groups or immigrant streams after the introduction of English in your area? If so, who were they?

The British slowly and gradually extended their power over different areas of India through military conquest and internal intrigues. The areas surrounding Pakistan were annexed in the mid and late 19th century. English was first introduced in these areas in the 19th century by the British Empire. Initially, it was the British administration that spoke and used English for the administrative areas of the empire (Crystal). The British established elite schools, colleges and universities in this area which was meant to ensure that English would be the language of the elite groups. Indigenous people began to study English so that they could be members of the civil service, armed forces, judiciary, universities, and entertainment. Pakistan has numerous local as well as national languages. The national language is Urdu while local languages like Balochi, Puhsto, Punjabi, Sindhi, and others are spoken in specific areas. English has now become the official language as well as spread to different social and ethnic groups in the country. It is now a part of Pakistani culture as well as the medium of instruction in educational institutions.

Compare (time period, explain, history, examples) the phenomenon of 'drift' in Pakistani English with 'drift' in Malaysian English.

Pakistani English has evolved into a distinct form because of the influence of local languages. Typically, Pakistani English is written in an Anglicized form in specific schools that adhere to the British curriculum. This form of English is considered to be the closest to British English which has led to high levels of efficiency and effectiveness. It has created a collaborative environment for success which is based upon achieving long term success within a short period of time. Another form of English is acrolectal which is typically utilized by Pakistanis who have studied in English mediums schools (Nelson).

Mesolectal Pakistani English is that which has been applied by Pakistanis who have studied in Urdu medium schools. A number of unique idioms and colloquial expressions have been utilized by Pakistanis. This is very much similar to Malaysian English which has highly evolved because of its unique local influences. Malaysia is also an area which has a number of ethnic and linguistic groups. English has been transformed because of the influence of local languages. This has helped to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, it has created an environment for success which is based upon long term success. There are some differences between Pakistani English and Malaysian English. For instance, Pakistani English has been able to use a number of antiquated British terms.

What has been the policy regarding the use of English as medium of instruction (at what age/level are children instructed in English?) and what have been the considerations of governments or educational authorities in this policy?

(for example, children learn a second language best when the language has first been taught to them as a subject, or rather that it is best to immerse children in English straight away.)

Pakistan has English medium as well as Urdu medium schools in different parts. In the Urdu medium schools, English is taught at a very basic level. These schools are run by the government and are meant to be for students coming from poor income groups. English is taught as a second language to these students. On the contrary, the English medium schools use English as a language of instruction from the starting classes).

Children at 3 years are introduced to the English alphabet while they are slowly given instructions as they move to the higher classes. English is also taught at the college and university levels which points towards the popularity of the language. Educational authorities take exams in English while course material is also undertaken in English. English is taught to students in English medium schools straight away as they are introduced with the basic concepts. This is done on the basis of having clear and precise goals. It is based upon achieving long term success within a short period of time. It also seeks to develop a comprehensive strategy that can lead to long term accomplishment of educational objectives.

4. watch?v=tWZqmiQvDhw give comment on his accent an whats typically pakistani about it.

Accent is considered to be a unique part of human identity because it is shaped by the influence of local and cultural variables. Local languages tend to exert a strong influence on accent especially for individuals who speak a number of languages. This is because it is based upon having clear and precise goals. It should be based upon achieving long term success within a short period of time. Additionally, the task is to create a collaborative strategy which can lead to long term development. The individual's accent is Pakistani because of the fact that the influence of the local language can be seen in an efficient manner. Pakistanis typically speak English in an efficient manner which is as close to the original. The individual has also been using a number of sentences which are direct translations from local Pakistani language. This is a unique phenomenon that is exhibited by Pakistanis when they speak in English. Accent is something which takes some planning and preparation. An individual's accent is based upon achieving high levels of efficiency within a short period of time. It seeks to ensure the highest levels of success with an emphasis on long term success and development.

References

Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (Second ed.). Cambridge, UK.
Rahman, T. "The use of words in Pakistani English". English Today 7 (02): 32.
Nelson, Cecil L. World Englishes in Asian contexts. Hong Kong University Press.
Mahboob, A. English as an Islamic Language: a case study of Pakistani English. World Englishes, 28(2):175-189.