English

When India attained freedom in 1947, many educationists, including Mahatma Gandhi, firmly held that English should be detained, its role should be redefined and it should be studied. This found root in the fact that –

English like other languages, has 3 major roles to play –
Functional Role of English Language–
The chief function of the English language is communication. Therefore the functional role means the communicative role of the language.

Place of English in 3 language formula in School Curriculum

When India attained freedom in 1947, a few radicals demanded that the use of English should be restricted to the administration level and educational system but others had a more rational viewpoint and firmly held that English should be detained, its role should be redefined and it should be studied.

Objectives of teaching English as a 1st language.

Where English is practiced as the 1st Language, the aim is not just language development or the LSRW skills but also literary development and appreciation for the language is stressed upon.

Where English is practiced as the 3rd language there is more emphasis on Language development i.e. the LSRW skills rather than literary development which is only a by-product or a later focus.