I agree with you that the real issue is poverty, but does the solution lie in English as a medium of instruction? I do agree that every one needs to learn English to compete and live a successful life in today’s world. But, as a student of “Education” I believe that current policy of the government using English as a medium of instruction will lead to further deprive and margenlize the poor and rural people as they do not have enough resources and infrastructure to provide an input needed for thier children to decelop skill and competence in a foreign language. This will result in a competetive disadvantage for them rather beniffiting them.

Are you sure youve thoroughly understood Colemans intentions, though? Indigenous languages as a _transitional_ medium of instruction in early primary education has actually been shown to _promote_ the learning of national and global languages; as I understand it, that was in fact the goal of his entire report. Students who go to school and have to learn to read in a language they dont know face strong setbacks. Do you think there is room for local language development in that limited capacity?

Also, you state that ordinary Pakistanis want to teach their children their local language, but perhaps this is not true everywhere, as Coleman found (see p.18). If mothers speak only English to their children, eventually the local languages will die. Do you see this as a concern?

Thank you again. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Dear Mohammad Ali
Your comments really deserve merit as it contradicts made by a passing passenger to Pakistan. In this capitialist dominated world people want and need a straight answer. What do I get in whatever I invest ? What are my returns on this investment. Will my scholarly insight into a provincial language of Pakistan ensure a good job in an national/internation bank ? The answer is obviously No so why should I invest in something that does not offer any returns.
How many peoplein England, today, are keen to learn Latin and Greek ? If not, why not ? English is no more a language but now it is capital. Good communication skills in English are honoured worldover as an international currency, accepted everywhere. Please do not offer offer me skimmed milk while you enjoy the cream ! Make good easily accessible to all ! Provide equal opportunities. These concepts will improve social justice and bring about balances in inequality present all over the country.