Archive · 25 Jul 2025
English in India: Language as Privilege, Reinforcing Caste and Class
In India, learning English is seen as a way to get ahead, but it mostly helps those who already have advantages.
English is now a way to sort people, some have it easily, others work hard for it.
Many families want their kids to learn English, hoping for a better future, but this creates divisions.
The best approach may be to use many languages, and start with a child's native language.
This approach would make learning better and give everyone a better chance.
The government's support for multiple languages is a good idea.
English-medium education in India is often seen as a pathway to social mobility but primarily benefits the elite.
English has become a tool of power and privilege, creating social divisions based on language proficiency.
Marginalized communities view English as a tool for empowerment and upward social mobility despite the challenges.
Research suggests that multilingual approaches, including mother-tongue instruction, can help overcome language-based disparities.
The Three Language Formula, promoting mother-tongue-based multilingualism, is considered a positive step.
- Who
- The author, Yashee Jha, and various researchers cited.
- What
- An opinion piece about how English education reinforces caste and class divisions in India.
- When
- Published July 25, 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To analyze the impact of English-medium education on social mobility and inequality.
Those who feel English is an advantage
Those who feel English is a disadvantage
Impact of English-medium education
Those who feel English is an advantage
English-medium education is key for upward social mobility and better career opportunities.
Those who feel English is a disadvantage
English-medium education favors the privileged few, creating social division based on language.
View of English language
Those who feel English is an advantage
English is considered a universal skill and provides a sense of modernization
Those who feel English is a disadvantage
English is also viewed as a dividing factor within society.
- Author
- Yashee Jha
- Publication Date
- July 25, 2025
- Source
- News18.com
- Main Topic
- English Education in India
- Key Issue
- Language as Privilege