The Compulsory Study of Hindi as the Third Language in Kerala: Necessity or Superfluous?
The inclusion of Hindi as a third language in the school curriculum in Kerala is a nuanced issue, influenced by various factors such as national integration, communication, cultural exposure, educational policy, and job opportunities. While proponents argue for its importance, others question its effectiveness and relevance.
National Integration and Cultural Diversity
One of the primary reasons for the inclusion of Hindi in the Kerala syllabus is to promote national integration. Hindi, being one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, serves as a bridge between different linguistic groups, fostering unity and shared understanding across the country. This is particularly important in a state like Kerala, known for its rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Teaching Hindi in schools helps students connect with the broader cultural and linguistic diversity of India, promoting a sense of national identity.
Communication and Job Opportunities
Learning a language that is widely spoken in various parts of India can significantly enhance a student's communication skills and open up new opportunities. As Hindi is an official language of the Indian government and is widely used in business, government services, and media, proficiency in Hindi can be advantageous in the job market. This is especially true for sectors such as government jobs, media, and corporate roles, where knowledge of multiple languages is often required.
Cultural Exposure
Studying Hindi also provides students with exposure to Hindi literature, films, and music. This enriches their cultural understanding and appreciation. For Malayalees, learning Hindi can be particularly useful when they move to the Gulf region, where it is a lingua franca among workers from different linguistic backgrounds. Many Malayalee workers in the Middle East communicate with the Indian diaspora and the Arab population using Hindi, which facilitates smoother interactions and fosters a sense of community.
Educational Policy and Curriculum Critique
From an educational standpoint, the Kerala government aligns with the National Policy on Education, which encourages the study of multiple languages to develop linguistic skills and cognitive abilities. However, the implementation of Hindi as a third language in the Kerala curriculum has been criticized for being superficial. The Kerala State Board syllabus for Hindi is often seen as too elementary, providing limited command over the language. This has led some to advocate for a more comprehensive and intensive Hindi curriculum.
The Gulf Region and Economic Factors
The economic ties between Kerala and the Gulf region further highlight the utility of learning Hindi. The remittances from workers in the Middle East significantly contribute to Kerala's economy. While Malayalees may not face Hindi imposition within the state, learning Hindi can provide a practical advantage when they migrate to other states in India, particularly those with significant Hindi-speaking populations. Historical and demographic factors have also contributed to the prominence of Hindi in regions like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, and Mangalore.
Current Sociopolitical Landscape
At present, there is no real hegemony of Hindi over Malayalam or Tamil in Kerala or Tamil Nadu. National leaders do not typically advocate for Hindi as a national language, and the people who do so are often uninformed about the constitutional status of Hindi. The resistance to Hindi as the national language has been led by Tamil Nadu, and Keralites can draw parallels with this sentiment. While some may harbor animosity towards Hindi, it is important to understand that the language's position under the Indian Constitution does not imply imposition.
Ultimately, the decision to include Hindi as a third language in the Kerala curriculum remains a matter of debate. While it offers benefits in terms of national integration, communication, and cultural exposure, the superficiality of the current syllabus raises questions about its effectiveness. A more comprehensive and intensive approach to teaching Hindi could address these concerns and provide students with a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural significance.
References:
National Policy on Education (2009) Kerala State Board syllabus for Hindi (2023) Indian Constitution, Eighth Schedule (1950) A statistical analysis of Gulf remittances to Kerala (2021) National leaders' statements on Hindi and regional languages (2023)