Language & Literature Open the Door to the World

Many people today think that reading books and mastering languages is not that significant.

By: Rekha Rajvanshi

There is a belief in society that one who is more inclined towards science and math will be more successful in life, and that one who is more enthusiastic towards writing and other craftsmanship shapes will be ordained to a life of low-paying employments and unacceptable careers. The development of media and information technology has brought about a paradigm change in the creation and distribution of literary material.

Whereas research says that learning languages and reading good literature opens the door to learning and expands knowledge and understanding of the world. Literature demonstrates how people connect and socialise, making it one of society’s vast and important components. Literature aims to educate and amuse via songs, poetry, tales, and theatre.

I talked to various authors, Language activists and language scholars on why we should encourage our kids to study languages and read literature.

Sharon Rundle – Award winning English author

Sharon is an award-winning English Author, Chair, UTS Alumni Writers’ Network also an advocate for Australia-India relations encouraging people-to-people links. Sharon has won UTS SMSA medal and Award 2001 and UTS Alumni Award for Excellence 2010.

Here is what she shared - It’s bliss to gain proficiency in any language, to be able to portray breathtaking and compelling imagery and convey fury and passion in stories and poetry; to read and contribute to the wealth of literature. Many Indians speak several languages and have their own style of speaking English, as do Australians. Learning languages creates plasticity in the brain and challenges us.

I was keen to speak Hindi to Indians when in India, so I attempted to learn some words and phrases. On one trip to Uttar Pradesh, I spoke in Hindi to a guide who promptly told me he spoke Urdu! One lives and learns. I was persuaded to try my hand at writing a story set in India with Indian characters and a sprinkling of Hindi words and phrases. I asked my friends to be severe with their criticism. Thankfully, they approved the story and helped fine-tune it.

Dr Peter Friedlander ANU – Senior Lecturer, Australian National University

I’ve been involved in language learning and teaching for almost fifty years. But even after all this time I am still constantly amazed by seeing how learning a new language and studying its literatures opens their eyes of students to new ways of seeing the world and finding a home for ourselves within its countless cultures. I have come to realise that languages and literatures are the heart and soul of cultures.

Language is the heartbeat of a culture - it gives life to how its speakers see the world. Literature is the soul of a culture - within its hidden depths lie ideas, ideals and memories which make life meaningful for the speakers of a language. I hope that in the future people will discover how their lives can be changed by studying language and literatures, just as my life was changed by learning Hindi and studying Indian literatures.

Melissa Monteiro - Author and CEO CMRC Culture has the power to transform entire societies, strengthen local communities and forge a sense of identity and belonging for people of all ages especially young people. Language is a critical element in communicating culture from one generation to another . It plays an important role for youth development and their own circles of friendship & civic engagement.

Languages, however, are declining because of competing factors , internet , values, being

‘trendy’ & fusion of culture & identity of young people . There often is confusion in young people’s minds about “ pleasing elders & maintaining a balance with generational “ pull “factors .

Research has proven the importance of both Language & culture as essential elements in promoting sustainable social and economic development for generations. Youth can act as a bridge between “cultures” and serve as key agents in promoting peace and continuing tradition. All these elements go hand in hand and are interrelated . Language is one of the most important parts of any culture. It is the way by which people communicate with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community.

Charles Thomson – Hindi Activist and Actor

Given how Australia is rapidly growing as multicultural society, the ability to learn another language enhances economic opportunities. If one is able to speak second language, it can open doors in trade, tourism and collaboration with other countries. It is often forgotten that many of our nearest neighbours, all speak a second language other than English.

Often issues like racism occur because we are not familiar with other cultures and traditions. Second, language can be a great way to bridge that gap with Australian born and new migrants. Also, if we truly want our First Nations citizens language to become part of mainstream Australia, it’s critical that we all become familiar with becoming multilingual.

Here are a few justifications for why reading quality literature in our languages is important Literature, in the first place, extends our horizons and aids in our ability to look beyond what is vis- ible from the front door. It also encourages critical thinking – Reading increases our understanding to the world. The two disciplines of literature and history are intertwined. It enables us to understand the past events and prepares us better to deal with difficult situations. It is also believed that reading quality literature helps us write better. We must encourage our children to read good literature as it fosters development, fortifies the intellect, and enables us to think creatively.