These days everyone seems to be obsessed with the English language. Parents are sending their children to private schools or tuition classes so that their kids can be fluent in English.

Likewise, a lot of importance is being given to English even in government schools where most of the subjects now are being taught in English. Whether they be teachers or parents, the children are being forced to speak English even as early as in grade one. This is due to the perception people have about English.

One wrong perception is that learning English will make them a ‘global citizen’. In attaching importance to English by the teachers, they often say that learning English will help them communicate with anyone in the world. This is not true. People believe that English is spoken throughout the world even though it might not be their native language.

However, there are tons of countries in the world where English is not spoken. Japan is one such country. If someone were to go to Japan thinking that they would be able to communicate the people in English, they would be surprised to find that all the traffic signs and instructions are in the Japanese language. Similar is the case with China, the world’s second largest economy.

Another wrong concept of the people is that learning English will secure them a good job and a bright future. They fail to see the sad reality that many youngsters are going abroad, not because they do not have good command over English but because they lack opportunities in Nepal.

Germany used to be the hub of many powerful inventions and still is. They did not need English to bring change there. So is the case with France. Therefore, to believe that the English language will make one successful is not very true.

Last but not the least, people believe that learning English perfectly is the need of the 21st century. However, in many countries around the world, including Nepal, we really don’t need English to survive. People often believe that learning English will help communicate with others but rarely think if this is really necessary. Not many organisations require communicating with foreigners. Foreigners who want to stay in Nepal for a long time would learn Nepali.

Also, foreigners may be from a non-English speaking country, and knowing English may not be of use at that time. Hence, it is wise to think before being crazy about the English language.