English language ability is frequently considered a passport to chances in today's globally connected world, whether in terms of education, work, or international relations. However, many people, especially in non-native English-speaking nations like Bangladesh, fail to develop a good command of the language after years of study. The result of the admission test of Dhaka University's 2023-2024 session for 'Kha' unit under Arts, Law and Social Science faculty shows that 102,000 students took part in the admission test against 2934 seats but only 10, 275 students passed the test which is about 10%.
Most of the candidates could not be able to get the pass mark in English subject in the admission tests. During the 2014-15 academic year, only two students qualified for admission to the English department at Dhaka University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences under the 'B' unit, despite there being a total of 125 seats available for applicants in this category. The low acceptance rates and strong demand for English-related programs at famous universities like Dhaka University indicate that Bangladeshi students want to study English but are having hurdles doing so.This is corroborated by the fact that a large number of Bangladeshi students who have studied English for 12 years still struggle with the language. This indicates that pupils' requirements are not being met by Bangladesh's present English language education system.
There are several reasons why this can be the case. One reason is that Bangladeshi schools' antiquated and poor English language teaching methods. Grammar and vocabulary rules are frequently stressed over the development of pupils' communication abilities.Another option is that there aren't enough opportunities for pupils to use their English in daily life. Most schools do not employ English as the primary language of instruction, and pupils are not urged to use it outside of the classroom.
Additionally, it's conceivable that many Bangladeshi students lack interest in learning English. They can consider it to be a foreign language that has no bearing on their daily life. The language's difficulties can also frighten them.Despite the difficulties, Bangladeshi students are keen to learn English as seen by the huge demand for English-related programs at esteemed universities like Dhaka University. English proficiency is necessary for success in many professions as well as for the development of the country, thus this is a good indicator.
What can be done to increase Bangladesh's competency in the English language?
According to the English Proficiency Index 2023 prepared by Sweden-based international education company Education First widely cited by BBC, CNN and Forbes, Bangladesh has ranked 60th among 113 countries. ThoughBangladesh has improved in English language proficiency, the country still lags behind neighbouring India, Nepal and Pakistan. India scored the highest level of English proficiency in the region among the ranked six South Asian countries. The index ranks the surveyed countries and territories into five proficiency bands, from very high to very low. A variety of actions may be taken to raise English language competency in Bangladesh.
These consist of: Modifying the way that English is taught in schools to put more of an emphasis on improving communication skills. Giving kids additional chances to use English in their daily life to develop speaking and writing. Encouraging kids to study English by highlighting the advantages of language proficiency and making the subject more enjoyable and interesting. Investing more on teacher training to make sure English teachers are employing efficient teaching techniques. Adding modern technological tools for English language learners, such as online learning resources and libraries.
By implementing these actions, we can assist all Bangladeshi students in realizing their full potential and aid in Bangladesh's economic development.
One might question why many people struggle to become proficient in English despite having studied it for at least 12 years in school. This problem is exacerbated by a number of circumstances. First off, traditional education techniques frequently prioritize rote memorization over real-world communication skills. The course material may be stale and lack the dynamism required to stay up with changing linguistic fads. The absence of high-quality language resources and a paucity of trained English teachers also impede pupils' advancement. In addition, societal and cultural factors can discourage the use of the English language outside of the classroom.
In Bangladesh, proficiency in English is crucial for national development. It acts as a point of entry into the global economy, drawing investors and businesses from throughout the world. A workforce with good English proficiency is better prepared to do business and trade internationally, thus enhancing the prospects for the economy of the nation. A nation with seasoned diplomats and negotiators can have more influence on the international scene since English is the language of diplomacy and international cooperation.
Here are some concrete instances of how proficiency in English might promote national development: English proficiency is necessary to draw in international investment and multinational corporations, which will lead to economic prosperity. Foreign investors are more inclined to make investments in a nation where they can speak English with the populace and the administration. Similar to this, international corporations are more inclined to set up shop in a nation where their personnel can speak English with one another, clients, and business partners. To engage in international trade, one must be fluent in English. International commercial agreements and talks are conducted in English. The majority of commercial paperwork, including invoices, shipping manifests, and letters of credit, are written in this language. The ability to speak English is required to attract tourists. Travelers are more inclined to visit a country where they can readily communicate with the locals.
To obtain a high-quality education, one must be proficient in English. Instruction is available in English at several of the top colleges in the globe. Additionally, there are a lot of English-only online instructional materials. To access scientific and technical research, English language fluency is required. The language of choice for publishing scientific research is English. Additionally, a lot of scientific seminars and conferences are conducted in English. English is the language of diplomacy and international cooperation. For diplomats and negotiators to properly represent their country on the international arena, English fluency is a need.
In order for Bangladesh to fully engage in the global economy and society, English proficiency is required. Bangladesh may increase its economic growth, draw in international investment, and have a greater impact on the global scene by making investments in English language education.
Bangladesh's English language curriculum has to be changed to put more of an emphasis on practical language skills and modern communication. This entails shifting the emphasis from teaching grammar and vocabulary rules to helping students improve their ability to communicate successfully in English in a range of real-world situations.
Teacher preparation: Modern teaching techniques must be emphasized in teacher training programs, and teachers must be given the required tools. This involves educating instructors on how to implement communicative language teaching (CLT) strategies, which put an emphasis on enhancing students' proficiency with English communication. High-quality teaching tools and materials must also be made available to instructors.
Technology: Technology may be used to significantly increase Bangladeshi students' access to high-quality English language instruction. This covers the creation and utilization of mobile applications, online learning platforms, and other digital tools. Additionally, technology may be leveraged to provide more dynamic and interesting learning environments for students.
English speaking culture: It's important to promote English language usage outside of the classroom. Online groups, events, and language clubs may all help with this. We can aid students in gaining fluency and confidence in the language by giving them opportunities to utilize English in a range of social and cultural situations.
The past admission statistics for Dhaka University demonstrates Bangladesh's ambition for English fluency and shed light on a complicated problem with broad ramifications. Despite how big the obstacles are, they are not insurmountable. Bangladesh can pave the road for its inhabitants to achieve the coveted command of the English language, unleashing a world of opportunities and supporting its own progress on the international arena, by changing curriculum, investing in teacher training, and cultivating a culture of English language usage. The writer works as Senior Assistant Secretary at the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC)
