Language shows expression, not intelligence. English fluency isn’t intellect. Embrace native languages for true equality and confidence.
It is important to recognize that language, at its core, is a tool for communication. Mastery of any language-including English-enables individuals to express ideas, share knowledge, and connect with others. However, the ability to communicate in English, or any other specific language, should never be conflated with intelligence.
Intelligence is a multifaceted quality, encompassing analytical thinking, creativity, emotional understanding, and problem-solving abilities. These attributes are not determined by linguistic proficiency but by one’s capacity to learn, adapt, and innovate.
In the Indian context, it is vital to dispel the misconception that English fluency is synonymous with intellect or competence. Not knowing English does not diminish a person’s intelligence, potential, or worth. Rather, it simply reflects the linguistic environment and opportunities to which an individual has been exposed.
The Impact of India’s Obsession with English
India’s colonial past has fostered an enduring and often unhealthy, obsession with English. This has several tangible and intangible impacts:
- Social Stratification: English proficiency is often seen as a marker of social status, creating divides between urban and rural populations, and between those with access to English-medium education and those without.
- Erosion of Confidence: Many brilliant minds, especially from non-metropolitan backgrounds, are made to feel inferior due to their limited English skills, regardless of their actual intellect or capabilities.
- Marginalization of Native Languages: The focus on English has led to the neglect of Indian languages, risking the loss of rich literary, cultural and philosophical traditions.
- Professional Barriers: Many talented professionals are overlooked simply because they are not fluent in English, depriving industries and the nation of diverse perspectives and skills.
Several countries have successfully fostered national development, innovation and strong identities and have done so without or with very little English.
- . Japan’s education, government and business sectors primarily operate in Japanese. Despite limited emphasis on English proficiency, Japan remains a global leader in technology, manufacturing and culture.
- South Korea where Korean is the dominant language in all spheres of life. South Korea has become a powerhouse in electronics, automotive industries and pop culture (K-pop, cinema) without widespread reliance on English.
- France where French is the principal language for administration, education and business. France has maintained its cultural and scientific leadership while promoting French globally.
- In Germany, German is the main language for education, government and industry. While many Germans learn English as a second language, the country’s success in engineering, research and exports is rooted in its native language.
- Russia where Russian is used in education, government, and media. The country’s achievements in science, literature and technology are predominantly realized through Russian.
- In countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, native languages are used for most daily and professional interactions, and many citizens do not speak English fluently.
Not just countries but several world-renowned leaders, scientists, scholars and mathematicians who achieved excellence without command over English, or for whom English was not a primary language:
- Srinivasa Ramanujan: One of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, Ramanujan was largely self-taught and made groundbreaking contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and infinite series. He worked primarily in Tamil and had limited proficiency in English, especially in his early years.
- Stefan Banach: A founder of modern functional analysis and one of the greatest mathematicians of his era, Banach was Polish and conducted his work in Polish and French, with little use of English.
- Thomas Fuller (“Virginia Calculator”): An enslaved African in 18th-century America, Fuller was renowned for his extraordinary mental calculation abilities. He never learned to read or write, let alone speak English fluently, yet astounded those around him with his mathematical prowess.
These examples underscore that intelligence, creativity and leadership are not bound by proficiency in English. Many of the world’s most influential figures have excelled using their native languages, proving that command over English is not a prerequisite for global achievement or recognition.
Embracing Linguistic Diversity
We must strive to create an environment where all languages are respected and valued. Proficiency in regional languages should be celebrated and individuals should be encouraged to communicate in the language they are most comfortable with, without fear of judgment or bias.
By shifting our focus from language as a status symbol to language as a means of effective communication, we foster a more inclusive, equitable and confident society.
It is important to clarify that advocating for the respect and preservation of our native languages does not mean we should reject English or any other language. In today’s interconnected world, knowing multiple languages-including English-can open doors to global opportunities, foster cross-cultural understanding, and enhance personal growth. However, the central issue is the misplaced notion that fluency in English is a measure of intelligence or capability. Proficiency in any language is simply a tool for communication, not a reflection of one’s intellect, creativity, or potential. By recognizing this, we can foster a more inclusive and confident society-one that values individuals for their ideas and abilities, rather than the language in which they express them.
(Khushbu Jain is a practicing advocate in the Supreme Court and founding partner of the law firm, Ark Legal and can be contacted on X : @advocatekhushbu.)