Dr. Tariq Rahman

Language as Social and Cultural Capital

Language is the one thing which empowers the human species over all others. In human societies, even in non-literate ones, the manipulation of the spoken word is one basis of power. In literate societies it is the passport to the realms of non-landed power. To enter the domains of religion, bureaucracy, judiciary, military, commerce, media, research etc one needs to know the print language used in the domains of power. In short, any social policy which does not include a linguistic policy component cannot but exclude a large number of people from the realms of power.

In South Asia the elite has always used a foreign or elitist language in the realms of power and high culture. These have been Sanskrit, Persian and English since Vedic days. In Pakistan the linguistic hierarchy corresponds to the socio-economic class hierarchy. English is the language of the upper classes; Urdu that of the middle classes while the indigenous languages are used by the lower classes. There is, of course, much bilingualism but the pressure on the lower classes to empower themselves by learning the languages of power is far greater than the other way around. In short, by ignoring the indigenous languages of the people we convert their cultural capital into a social deficit. We create a quasi-legal means of looking down upon the people and we make it difficult for them to acquire power and prestige.

I recommend that the present language policy should be changed as follows:

(1) English should be taught to all children in schools using the same course books, movies, documentaries, games and other innovative means. This means that English should be spread out very widely and not confined to a small elite as it is at present.

(2) Elitist private or state-influenced English-medium schools should be banned by law so as to ensure that the same type of schools operate in the country. This will probably reduce some forms of elitism though it will not eliminate inequality.

(3) Indigenous languages should be taught to all children in schools and may even be used as media of instruction at the lowest levels. This will mean that Urdu-speaking children will learn the language of their domicile or temporary stay in addition to Urdu.

(4) Urdu should be used as a second language in all schools but other languages too can be the media of instruction. This will ensure that Urdu will function as a link language between all the regions of Pakistan.

(5) All jobs should be in Urdu and/or the indigenous languages of the people. English should be a requirement for jobs but only those who operate overseas need to be very proficient in it.

For details see my books:

Tariq Rahman. 1996. Language and Politics in Pakistan OUP.

___________. 1999. Language, Education and Culture OUP.

___________. 2002. Language, Ideology and Power OUP.

Dr. Tariq Rahman