Feature

In Bangladesh, English is treated as a foreign language rather than as a second language. As such the learning of it depends more on the aptitude and ability of the teacher and the usage and, or necessity of the learner. Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan and before that East Bengal) has undergone a series of political and socio-economic changes that have greatly influenced the learning of English as a foreign languages. The partition of Bengal in 1905 and its unification in 1906, the creation of Pakistan in 1947 and finally the birth of Bangladesh in 1971 have all had their impacts of the attitudes and motivation of learning English. In 1971, the spirit of Bengali nationalism dimmed the urge of English as an international language. Also the cost of education rose and the poor people especially those living outside the capital were deprived of higher education. As a result, in the post-liberation period in Bangladesh the learning of English has deteriorated and the practice still continues.

The reasons for the decline in learning of English are not difficult to find. The learning of English, or any language for that matter is a two-way action. That is the teacher and the learner. This is, of course, to be supported by the social, economic and political environment, The necessity of learning English as an international language has to be felt and understood. The merits and advantage of English has be nationally accepted and given due attention. This aspect is primarily known as motivation for learning. Unless you have a clear and comprehensive target for learning English the pursuit of English will be deterred.

We often hear the maxim for learning 'there is one and only one pre-condition for successful learning, and that is a good teacher. "This is, of course, true . However, we have to take into consideration other factors that, to a great extent, govern successful learning. In learning a foreign language, it is, as has been quoted, assumed that learning depends almost entirely upon the teacher with his language proficiency, professional and academic qualifications, teaching methods and his ability to co-operate and interact with the students. However, researches have proved beyond doubt that the learner's proficiency varies according to aptitude, social environment and with or without attitude and motivation. Researches and investigations have shown that the learner's attitude and motivation greatly influence the learning of the English language.

Bangladesh has a monolingual setting. Bangla is the only language that reigns here. It is the state language and the mother tongue of the majority of the population. In this set-up it is not very difficult to propagate a motivation for learning English as a foreign language. The motivation has to be created indicating the privileges and advantages of learning English in the present era of globalization. Once the motivation is established, the attitudes of the learners will be significant and positive.

Measures and practical steps are necessary to be taken to generate interest in learning foreign language. Although there is prevalent a fifty-fifty ratio regarding general interest of students in studying of foreign language. the ratio can be favorably changed by constant advice on the importance and facilities of studying a foreign language, through lectures, seminars, radio show etc. Once the general interest is successfully generated among the students-attitudes will follow and learning of English will become easy.

It is not that the students, who are mainly the young learners, are averse towards learning English. Tests and sub-tests in this regard prove that 70% of the students are eager towards learning English.

Some factors, mainly due to the lack of trained English teachers hamper the learning of English in Bangladesh. One chief factor is the English class anxiety-students fear English like a child that fears darkness. A discomfort prevails among the students while learning English. Only experienced and trained teachers can help the students overcome the tension and anxiety in the class.

The efficiency of the English teacher plays a vital rule in creating the attitude of students towards leaning English. Besides knowing the subject well, he/she is required to have qualities essential to become a successful teacher.

Unfortunately, in Bangladesh at present such teachers are few in number. An English teacher should be friendly, reliable, considerate, pleasant in behavior, efficient, sincere, dependable and cheerful. He should also be patient and eager to learn the problems of the students. A dedicated teacher is a source of inspiration and interest to the students.

All the above mentioned qualities do not appear in a teacher simply by getting academic degrees. They become part of him through training and experience. It is, therefore, necessary that English teachers in Bangladesh have training in English teaching. The training may be as follows) Pre-service Training b) In-service Training Before joining an assignment as English teacher, he/she ought to have a Pre-Service Training for a period ranging from 3 to 6 months. Teaching methods, class room management, and necessity of learning English, motivating student, generating interest along with proficiency in English-all these should be taught and trained to the teachers before practically entering the classroom.

This training of course, should be intensive to make the teachers fully aware of the responsibilities that await them.

The In-Service Training is equally important and helps the teachers to keep updated with ideas and conceptions incorporated in the curriculum and also modem trends in teaching methodology. The In-Service Training may be offered either annually or bi-annually. The he In-Service Training should be compulsory and may take place within the country or abroad. Such programs will be incentive to the teachers and offer re-creation from the monotony of day-to-day class room teaching. The regularly trained teacher will be vibrant and eager to exercise his training and become a valuable asset to the teaching community.

One main problem of learning English in Bangladesh results from saturation of English teachers in the capital city, Dhaka. English teachers mainly reside and work in the capital only. As a result the schools and colleges in the whole country outside Dhaka suffer immensely due to lack of English teachers. This again is due to the economic status of English teachers in Bangladesh. An English teacher in Dhaka gets a handsome salary and also earns enough money through private tutoring. The schools and colleges in 'muffasal' and remote areas in Bangladesh cannot offer such bursary rolls. A national awareness in this respect is necessary.

Qualified and trained English teachers should come to realize that they have a responsibility to the nation and their services are necessary for the nation.

It is important to take into consideration all the factors integratedly and approach English teaching in a positive manner. The teacher-learner relationship must be effectively evaluated and only then can English teaching in Bangladesh be constructive and productive.

(Professor & Chairman Department of English Bangladesh University)

The chief guest of the prize giving ceremony was the Vice Chancellor of the Jahangirnagar University, while A.T.M. Atiquer Rahman, Manager of the Student Welfare and Counseling Center, was the special guest and Jahngirnagar Debating Organization was the moderator of the debate. The program was sponsored by Bombay Sweets.