Pride in Mother Tongue vs. Need for English in Professional Life
Every individual loves his mother tongue and additionally learns English enthusiastically to have communication and job opportunities globally. This dichotomy brings forth the question: is there a conflict between our pride in our mother tongue and the necessity of being fluent in English for professional success? Let's explore this through a personal perspective.
Empowering through Honor
Being proud of one's mother tongue is not about arrogance, but rather a sense of empowerment. It equips us with the ability to think and act virtuously, and to behave honestly. It serves as a foundation for learning other languages, as understanding it deeply can provide insights into other linguistic structures. For example, if you understand Tamil well, you can understand English or any other language more easily by comparing word positions and phrase meanings. Jobs may require English, but the work is done by us, and our thinking processes can certainly be in our mother tongue.
An Example from Childhood
Like the first sentence we learn in school is 'Varam Virtue Chayato Duvirum,' which means 'Willingly do the virtuous.' This sets a strong foundation for our values and helps us understand the importance of virtuous behavior. Another example is from the 'Thirukkural,' where it states, 'Real happiness springs from doing the virtuous.' These early teachings shape our moral and ethical beliefs, which are invaluable in any profession.
Professional Practices
In my own experience, I always think through my tasks first in Tamil. This is because it is my native language and it provides a rich context for my thoughts. I then convert these thoughts into English when working with people whose mother tongue is not Tamil. However, I don't need any other language to work with a Tamil-speaking colleague. The requirement of English becomes necessary when dealing with global professionals whose language is not Tamil.
The relationship between language and work is complex. I need English to bridge communication gaps and to work in an international environment. It helps in understanding and working with people from different cultural backgrounds. However, the essence of my work and thought processes can still remain in my mother tongue. Thinking in Tamil helps me to remain rooted and true to my cultural identity, while English helps me to access a broader professional world.
Cultural Identity and Professional Excellence
The integration of these two linguistic realities can be a source of strength. It's like wearing a cloak of cultural pride (in the mother tongue) and a suit of professional competence (in English). Both are necessary for a well-rounded professional. Our cultural identity is deeply intertwined with our language, and it shapes the way we perceive the world and interact with others.
Furthermore, understanding the nuances of both languages can enhance problem-solving skills. When working on a project, being fluent in both Tamil and English allows me to communicate effectively, which can lead to clearer instructions and better collaboration. It also helps in breaking down cultural barriers, making it easier to work with people from different backgrounds.
It's important to acknowledge that language proficiency is a tool for success, not a constraint. While English is widely used in global business, it is flexible enough to be adapted to different cultural contexts. By leveraging our mother tongue and English simultaneously, we can achieve both cultural authenticity and professional excellence.
In conclusion, the pride in our mother tongue and the need for English in the professional world are not in opposition. They complement each other, enriching our lives and enhancing our professional capabilities. We can be proud of our cultural heritage while also embracing the benefits of the global language, knowing that the real work is done by us, reflecting our true selves through our thoughts and actions.