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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

LESSON 01

IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE

Whatsoever the circumstances or where ever a student or a professional is, the importance of language for

him can never be undermined. And when it comes to communication, all those tend to be failures if they

cannot communicate in good language.

Language is one of the most important areas of human development. Our communication skills set us

apart from the rest of the animal kingdom, and they're also what bring us together with each other.

Language is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but also it

forges friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships.

That is why emphasis is given to the writing and speaking better language in all spheres of

communication. A journalist must have better communication skills in comparison to other people or

professionals working in other fields.

Throughout history, many have reflected on the importance of language. For instance, the scholar

Benjamin Whorf has noted that language shapes thoughts and emotions, determining one's perception of

reality. John Stuart Mill said, "Language is the light of the mind."

For the linguist Edward Sapir, language is not only a vehicle for the expression of thoughts, perceptions,

sentiments, and values characteristic of a community; it also represents a fundamental expression of

social identity. "The mere fact of a common speech serves as a peculiar potent symbol of the social

solidarity of those who speak the language." In short, language retention helps maintain feelings of

cultural kinship.

Here in Pakistan, we are blessed with virtually two official languages flourishing in a multicultural

society. We all have the opportunity to learn about other cultures.

Since the adoption of official bilingualism though unofficially, we have been better able to provide to the

younger generations the tools and knowledge for them to excel not only here at home, but beyond our

national borders. This has allowed them to reach for the dreams and succeed in areas they may not have

otherwise.

Language, of course, is knowledge, and in our world today knowledge is one of the key factors in

competitiveness. Brains and knowledge are what create the prosperity and growth we tend to take for

granted. In an advanced industrial society in an increasingly interdependent world, the knowledge of other

languages becomes indispensable. Just think of how the advent of the Internet has changed our lives. For

the last few years, millions of people across the world, who share common interests, are able to

communicate with each other and exchange ideas. Not only are they able to do this due to the various

technological advances, but also because they share a common language.

There is, of course, no denying that the knowledge of the English language is one of the most important

tools available. It is one of the international languages, a tool of communication among countries, cultural

groups, various companies and organisations, communities and friends.

English is but one of our de facto official languages; the other being Urdu, which is given the label of

being `Official'.

Although much is said about the importance of the English language, one cannot overlook the important

economic and diplomatic relationships that our country has forged with other countries.

The knowledge of languages is an advantage that many hold. One can argue that it permits them to have a

broader outlook on their surroundings, as they are able to look at issues with a broader perspective.

To achieve this end, a journalist must be working hard towards not only constantly improving it rather

enriching his knowledge.

There are four key areas, which must be strived for all the time, as these help in naturally improving one's

language, as cramming never helps anybody.

Reading devour books and magazines A journalist must be reading newspapers and

magazines on daily basis. Alongside these, he must be reading books of his subject, specialisation

and taste. One of the things is like `chewing' the material whatever you are reading.

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