ENG503 SHORT HANDOUTS

MIDTERM
Lesson 01 to 05
(ENG503) Introduction to ELT
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Lesson-01
INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE
TEACHING
Topic 001: What is ELT?

What does ELT stand for?

Answer: ELT stands for English Language Teaching.
What is the primary focus of ELT as an academic discipline?
Answer: ELT is primarily concerned with the teaching and learning of the English
language.
Why is English language teaching common in non-English speaking
countries?
Answer: English language teaching is common in non-English speaking countries
to help people learn English as a second or foreign language.
What is the main focus of English Language Teaching (ELT) as an academic
discipline?
The main focus of ELT as an academic discipline is to facilitate the teaching and
learning of the English language. This discipline is especially important in
countries where English is not the first language (EFL, ESL, and EIL). It also
holds significance in English-speaking countries due to the influx of people from
non-English speaking backgrounds. ELT involves extensive research and

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publications in applied linguistics, specifically relating to language teaching and
learning. Learners of English often encounter challenges related to grammar,
vocabulary, and pronunciation due to differences between their native language
and English.
Topic 002: Introduction to Different Methods and Approaches of ELT
What are the three principles of teaching English?
Answer: The three principles are: Selection and Gradation, Theoretical and
Pedagogical Concerns, and Presentation and Practice.
What is the distinction between Approach, Method, and Technique?
Answer: Approach is about language and language learning beliefs, Method
involves the practical application of theory, and Technique deals with classroom
procedures.
How does Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) differ from the
Structural Approach?
Answer: CLT focuses on effective communication in real-life situations, while the
Structural Approach emphasizes grammatical rules in a set order.
Differentiate between Approach, Method, and Technique in the context of
language teaching.
In the context of language teaching, an approach refers to the set of assumptions
and beliefs about language and language learning. A method is the practical
application of these beliefs, involving decisions about what and how to teach. On
the other hand, a technique outlines the specific classroom procedures used for
teaching. For instance, the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach
focuses on effective communication (approach), the task-based method emphasizes
learning through tasks (method), and role-play is a technique that can be used to
engage students in language practice.
Topic 003: Introduction to the Assessment of Learners
What is the purpose of assessment in ELT?
Answer: Assessment in ELT is used to determine students' knowledge and skills in
the English language.
Name two types of assessment used in ELT.
Answer: Formative and summative assessment.
What are the principles for designing a test in ELT?
Answer: The principles are Practicality, Reliability, and Validity.
What are the key principles to consider while designing language
assessments?

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Designing language assessments involves adherence to several key principles.
Practicality is crucial, as assessments should be feasible in terms of time and
resources. Reliability is vital, ensuring that the assessment consistently produces
the same results for a particular individual. Furthermore, validity is essential to
ensure that the assessment accurately measures what it is intended to measure.
These principles collectively contribute to the creation of effective language
assessments that yield reliable and valid results.
Topic 004: Social Challenges and Benefits of ELT
How does ELT promote local cultures?
Answer: ELT promotes local cultures by providing an opportunity to learn another
culture through language.
What are the benefits of learning English for job opportunities?
Answer: Learning English opens up access to local and international job
opportunities.
How does English Language Teaching (ELT) contribute to the promotion of
local cultures and access to job opportunities?
ELT plays a significant role in promoting local cultures by facilitating cross-
cultural communication and understanding. As language and culture are
interconnected, learning a language often involves immersing oneself in the culture
it represents. Furthermore, ELT provides individuals with the opportunity to access
local and international job opportunities. English has become a global language of
communication, and proficiency in it enhances the chances of securing prestigious
jobs, both locally and abroad. The ability to communicate effectively in English is
a valuable skill in today's interconnected world.
Topic 005: Qualification and Training of English Language Teachers
What is the minimum qualification often required for teaching English?
Answer: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is often required for teaching English.
Name some examples of master's degrees related to English language
teaching.
Answer: Master of Education (MEd) in TESOL, Master of Arts (MA) in Applied
Linguistics, etc.
What are some certification options for English language teaching?
Answer: TEFL Certificate, CELTA, TESOL Certificate Course, Trinity Certificate
in TESOL, etc.
What are some common qualifications and training pathways for individuals
aspiring to become English language teachers?

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Individuals aspiring to become English language teachers can pursue various
qualification and training pathways. Typically, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is
considered a foundational requirement for teaching positions. Beyond that,
obtaining a master's degree can provide specialized knowledge in fields like
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Applied Linguistics,
and English Language Teaching (ELT). Specific degrees such as Master of
Education (MEd) in TESOL or a Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Linguistics are
popular options. Additionally, certification programs like TEFL (Teaching English
as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to
Adults) offer practical training for prospective teachers.
Topic 006: ELT - Professional Associations and Unions
Which is one of the oldest and largest associations in the field of TESOL?
Answer: TESOL International Association.
What are some examples of national professional organizations for English
teachers?
Answer: Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT), TESOL Greece,
Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers (SPELT), etc.
How does British Council Pakistan support English language learning?
Answer: British Council Pakistan supports English language learning through
initiatives like Punjab Education and English Language Initiative (PEELI) and
collaborations with the US Embassy in Pakistan for programs like Access and E-
teacher.
How do professional associations and unions contribute to the field of English
Language Teaching (ELT)?
Long Answer: Professional associations and unions play a pivotal role in shaping
and advancing the field of ELT. These organizations provide platforms for
teachers, researchers, and educators to exchange ideas, share best practices, and
stay updated on the latest developments in language teaching. They organize
conferences, workshops, and seminars that facilitate professional development and
networking. International associations like TESOL International Association,
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), and
International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL)
foster collaboration on a global scale. National associations, such as Japan
Association for Language Teaching (JALT) and Society of Pakistan English
Language Teachers (SPELT), offer localized support and resources. These

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associations collectively contribute to the growth and enhancement of ELT
methodologies and pedagogical approaches.

Lesson-02
NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE

Topic-007: What is Language?

How would you define language according to Chomsky?
Answer: Language is a set of sentences, each finite in length, constructed from a
finite set of elements.
What is the fundamental nature of language?
Answer: Language is a system that associates sounds/gestures with meanings using
words and sentences.
How does Chomsky define language?
Answer: Chomsky defines language as a set of sentences, each finite in length,
constructed from a finite set of elements.
What is the fundamental nature of language?
Answer: The fundamental nature of language is its role as a system that connects
sounds or gestures with meanings through words and sentences.
Topic-008: Functions of Language
What are the six essential functions of language according to Roman
Jakobson?
Answer: The functions are Referential, Emotive, Conative, Poetic, Phatic, and
Metalingual.
Which function involves using language for engagement and sociability?
Answer: The Phatic function.
According to Roman Jakobson, what are the essential functions of language?
Answer: Roman Jakobson identifies six essential functions of language:
Referential, Emotive, Conative, Poetic, Phatic, and Metalingual.
Describe the Phatic function of language.
Answer: The Phatic function involves using language to establish a mood of
sociability or engagement rather than conveying information. It's often referred to
as "small talk."
Topic-009: Features of Human Language

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What property allows humans to discuss events removed in time and place?
Answer: Displacement, which enables reference to past and future events.
What is the characteristic that allows humans to continually create new
expressions?
Answer: Productivity, allowing for the generation of infinite utterances.
Question: What is the significance of displacement in human language?
Answer: Displacement is the capacity of language to refer to events or experiences
removed in time and space. This ability allows humans to discuss past and future
situations.
Explain the concept of productivity in language.
Answer: Productivity refers to the capacity of humans to create novel expressions
and utterances by manipulating linguistic resources. This characteristic sets human
language apart as it can generate an infinite number of unique statements.
Topic-010: The Study of Language
What is the study of speech sounds, their production, and perception called?
Answer: Phonetics.
What area of linguistics examines how words combine to form sentences?
Answer: Syntax.
Question: What does the field of phonetics study?
Answer: Phonetics is concerned with the study of speech sounds, including their
production, transmission, and perception.
How does syntax contribute to the study of language?
Answer: Syntax is the study of how words combine to form sentences and the rules
governing this formation. It plays a crucial role in understanding the structure of
language.
Topic-011: Language and Society
Question: How does language relate to society according to sociologists?
Answer: Language reflects and influences social aspects like identity, power, and
gender.
What is the Whorfian hypothesis related to language and society?
Answer: It suggests that linguistic differences influence cultural differences in
thinking.
How do sociologists view the relationship between language and society?
Answer: Sociologists explore how language influences and reflects social aspects
such as identity, power dynamics, class distinctions, and gender roles.
Explain the Whorfian hypothesis in relation to language and culture.

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Answer: The Whorfian hypothesis suggests that linguistic differences between
cultures are connected to variations in thinking patterns and worldviews.
Topic-012: Linguistic Diversity
Define linguistic diversity.
Answer: Linguistic diversity refers to the range of variations in human languages.
Why is maintaining linguistic diversity important?
Answer: Languages express identity, preserve history, contribute to knowledge,
and offer ecological diversity.
What does linguistic diversity encompass?
Answer: Linguistic diversity refers to the range of variations seen among human
languages in terms of structure, vocabulary, and usage.
Why is maintaining linguistic diversity important?
Answer: Preserving linguistic diversity is vital because languages are carriers of
cultural identity, historical knowledge, human experience, and ecological insights.
They enrich the global cultural landscape.

Lesson-03
HISTORY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Topic 013: Language Change and Historical Linguistics

What is Historical Linguistics?
Answer: Historical Linguistics is the branch of linguistics that studies language
change and the history of individual languages.
How does language change at the lexical level?
Answer: Language change at the lexical level involves the emergence of new
words, the obsolescence of old words, and changes in word meanings.
What is morphological change in language?
Answer: Morphological change refers to changes in the structure of words,
including inflections and word forms.
What is grammaticalization?
Answer: Grammaticalization is the process by which a content word loses its
lexical meaning and becomes a grammatical function word.
How does phonological change differ from other changes?

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Answer: Phonological change tends to be regular and involves alterations in the
pronunciation of sounds or words over time.
Topic 014: Development of English Language
What is periodization in the history of languages?
Answer: Periodization refers to dividing the history of a language into distinct
periods based on important historical dates or events.
When did Old English exist, and what are its characteristics?
Answer: Old English existed from around 700 to 1100 AD and is characterized by
its distinct linguistic features and surviving texts.
What is the significance of Middle English?
Answer: Middle English existed from about 1100 to around 1500 and marked a
period of significant linguistic changes and developments.
How did Early Modern English evolve?
Answer: Early Modern English existed from about 1500 to about 1800 and was
marked by further changes in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
When did Later Modern English develop?
Answer: Later Modern English emerged from 1800 to the present, representing the
ongoing evolution of the language.
What is periodization in the history of languages?
Answer: Periodization in the history of languages refers to the practice of dividing
the linguistic evolution of a language into distinct periods based on significant
historical events, cultural shifts, or changes in linguistic features. This approach
allows linguists to categorize and analyze different stages of a language's
development, providing insight into how the language has evolved over time. Each
period often showcases specific linguistic characteristics, vocabulary changes, and
syntactic structures that are indicative of the cultural and historical context in
which they emerged. Periodization helps researchers trace the trajectory of a
language's growth, enabling them to identify key milestones and transitions that
have contributed to its current form.
Topic 015: Early Modern English Grammar
What was the usage of the genitive singular apostrophe in Early Modern
English?
Answer: The use of the genitive singular apostrophe was optional in the sixteenth
century and became frequent in the seventeenth century.
When and how did the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives
evolve?

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Answer: By the late seventeenth century, the rule of using -er and -est for
monosyllabic words and 'more' and 'most' for polysyllabic words was established.
How did the usage of pronouns like 'ye' and 'you' change?
Answer: By 1600, 'ye' was a rare alternative to 'you,' and no case distinction
remained between them.
Describe the changes in relative pronouns during Early Modern English.
Answer: 'That' remained common, 'which' became rare, and 'who' as a relative
pronoun shifted from rare to common during this period.
How did the inversion of verb and subject occur in Early Modern English?
Answer: Inversion of verb and subject after adverbial elements, conjunctions, or
objects was frequent during the sixteenth century.
How did the usage of pronouns and determiners change during Early Modern
English?
Answer: During the Early Modern English period, significant shifts occurred in the
usage of pronouns and determiners. One noteworthy change involved the usage of
the second-person pronouns 'ye' and 'you.' By 1600, 'ye' became a rare alternative
to 'you,' and the distinction between subjective and objective case forms was lost.
The relative pronouns also underwent changes. While 'that' remained a common
relative pronoun throughout the period, the usage of 'which' decreased, becoming
rare by the mid-seventeenth century. 'Who' as a relative pronoun experienced a
transition from rarity in the fifteenth century to common usage in the later period.
These shifts in pronoun usage reflected the evolving linguistic norms and
preferences during the Early Modern English era, indicating the dynamic nature of
language change even at the level of pronouns and determiners.
Topic 016: Colonialism and Spread of English Language
What were the major factors that contributed to the spread of English
worldwide?
Answer: The factors include the British Empire's power, industrial revolution in
England, America's rise as a world power, and the prestigious status of English.
How did British colonialism play a role in spreading English?
Answer: English spread as a tool of imperial expansion, particularly during the
16th century in areas like the USA and other colonies.
How did English spread to Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand,
and South Africa?
Answer: Each region had unique historical processes that led to the spread and
establishment of English as an official or dominant language.

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How did industrialization contribute to the spread of English?
Answer: The Industrial Revolution in Britain made English essential for accessing
new industrial knowledge, which other countries needed.
What role did American economic and political superiority play in spreading
English?
Answer: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the USA's emergence as a
superpower contributed to the global influence of English.
How did British colonialism contribute to the spread of English language?
Answer: British colonialism played a pivotal role in the global dissemination of the
English language. As the British Empire expanded its influence across various
parts of the world, English became a tool of communication and administration.
During the 16th century and onwards, the English language was introduced and
imposed upon colonies as a means of governance, trade, and cultural interaction.
The British Empire's dominance allowed English to establish itself as a language
of power, education, and official communication in regions like North America,
Australia, Africa, and Asia.
The British Empire's influence also led to the establishment of English-medium
education systems in many colonies, ensuring that English proficiency became a
marker of prestige and access to opportunities. As colonial territories gained
independence, English often retained its significance as a second language for
political, economic, and diplomatic purposes. Thus, the legacy of British
colonialism greatly facilitated the global spread and adoption of the English
language, shaping its status as a global lingua franca.
Topic 017: English in South Asia
How was English introduced in India by the British?
Answer: The British East India Company introduced English in domains of power
such as government, administration, education, and commerce.
What was the role of English during the British Raj?
Answer: English developed as a medium of control during the British Raj, creating
a subculture equated with power in South Asia.
How did language policy change in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
Answer: In Sri Lanka, English use reduced when Sinhala became official, leading
to an ethnic divide. English's role increased in Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives due to
globalization.
How did English survive in India and Pakistan despite resistance?

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Answer: English retained a dominant status, mainly used by elites for higher
education and official purposes, reflecting power dynamics.
How did ELT practitioners view non-native South Asian varieties of English?
Answer: ELT practitioners recognized these varieties as valid alternatives, not just
"incorrect" Englishes, shifting from teaching through literature to ELT.
How did English become significant in South Asia despite resistance?
Answer: English's significance in South Asia was established through a complex
historical process, marked by British colonial rule and subsequent socio-political
developments. The British East India Company introduced English as a means of
administration and communication, focusing primarily on domains of power like
government, education, and the judiciary. Over time, English evolved into a
language of authority and prestige, tightly connected to British colonial control.
Despite resistance, English persisted in South Asia due to its association with
educational and employment opportunities. The linguistic policies of the British
Raj further solidified its position by promoting English for higher education and
official communication. As the region gained independence, English retained its
importance as a second language for political and international relations, even
though vernacular languages were promoted for local education.

Lesson-04
ENGLISH AS AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE

Topic 018: English as an International Language (EIL)

What is the definition of an International Language (IL)?
An IL is a language spoken by a large number of native speakers of other
languages to serve for wider communication.
Why can't a language linked to any one country or culture be considered an
IL?
To be considered an IL, a language must not be linked to any one country or
culture but must belong to those who use it.
What are the characteristics of an International Language?

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• It is spoken by people of different nationalities.
• Speakers of an IL don't need to assume the culture of the language.
• The ownership of an IL is denationalized.
• The goal of its education is to enable communication of ideas and culture
worldwide.
• A language spreads not only through migration but also by people in other
areas acquiring it.
How is the special role of English recognized worldwide?
Many countries either make English their official language or require its study as a
foreign language.
What is Kachru's Three Concentric Model, and what are its inner circles?
Kachru's model categorizes English users into Inner Circle (ENL Users), Outer
Circle (ESL Users), and Expanding Circle, with specific regions and norms
associated with each.
What is the definition of an International Language (IL)?
An International Language is a language spoken by a large number of native
speakers of different languages to facilitate broader communication across national
and cultural boundaries.
Topic 019: Native/Non-native Divide: Politics, Policies, and Practices
Define a native speaker and a non-native speaker.
A native speaker speaks a language from infancy, while a non-native speaker has
another native tongue and learns the language later.
What are some common points of debate in the native/non-native speaker
discussion?
The debate extends beyond linguistic aspects to include political and ideological
dimensions.
Categorization often has non-linguistic bases, such as race or color.
In what contexts does native-speakerism dominate, and in which contexts does
it not enjoy privilege?

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Native-speakerism dominates in European ELT but does not enjoy undue privilege
in ELF contexts.
What is the significance of tolerance for diversity in language use?
Tolerance for diversity is essential for developing an international language
negotiated by EFL speakers rather than imposed from above.
How would you define a native speaker and a non-native speaker?
A native speaker is someone who has spoken a language from birth or infancy,
while a non-native speaker is an individual who has a different mother tongue and
has acquired the language later in life or during childhood.
Topic 020: EIL: Attitudes and Identities
How do students perceive NNS (Non-Native Speaker) teachers compared to
NS (Native Speaker) teachers?
Students may view NNS teachers as more demanding and traditional, while NS
teachers are seen as more outgoing, casual, and talkative.
What is the interdependency between EIL and NNESTs (Non-Native English
Speaking Teachers)?
There is a strong interdependency between EIL and NNESTs, where NNSs have
advantages such as multilingualism.
How do some learners express preferences for accents in English?
Many learners prefer native or standard accents over their local accents, even in
distant contexts.
What are some common attitudes among English language teachers based on
their native or non-native status?
NNESTs may lack self-confidence and may defer to NSs' authority, while NESTs
often rely on their own judgment and assert their NS status.
How do students perceive Non-Native Speaker (NNS) teachers compared to
Native Speaker (NS) teachers?

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Students often perceive NNS teachers as more demanding and traditional in their
teaching style, while NS teachers are viewed as more outgoing, casual, and
talkative in the classroom.
Topic 021: EIL and Teacher Education: Gaps and Challenges
What challenges do NNESTs face in incorporating the concept of EIL in their
teaching?
Many NNESTs still adhere to traditional values that establish NSs as models of
perfection in language use.
What are the potential benefits of a transformative approach in teacher
education regarding EIL?
A transformative approach can increase teachers' awareness of EIL characteristics
and open them up to change in their worldviews about ESOL teaching.
What are some ideological concerns related to EIL in the classroom?
Concerns include class issues, globalization, job outsourcing, and the dominance of
standard varieties in major international tests.
What challenges do Non-Native English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) face
when incorporating the concept of English as an International Language
(EIL) into their teaching?
Many NNESTs struggle to embrace the concept of EIL in their classrooms due to
deeply ingrained traditional values that prioritize Native Speakers (NS) as models
of language proficiency.
Topic 022: The Scope of EIL: Emerging Themes
Why is it important for researchers, teachers, and learners to understand the
emerging scope of EIL?
They need to focus on broadening the ELF paradigm to highlight its
communicative power in international contact situations.
How do multilingual, non-native speakers often use English for contact
purposes?
They may not necessarily defer to inner circle norms when using English,
suggesting an evolving common norm.

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What is the role of cultural conceptualizations in EIL communicative events?
Speakers may draw on their L1 cultural systems, highlighting the need for
strategies to clarify underlying conceptualizations.
What should be discussed concerning the growth of EIL and indigenous
varieties of English?
The role of indigenous varieties in reflecting local cultures, literature, and
knowledge should be discussed.
Why is it essential for researchers, teachers, and learners to understand the
evolving scope of English as an International Language (EIL)?
It is crucial for stakeholders to comprehend the evolving scope of EIL to focus on
expanding the English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) paradigm and recognize its
potential for effective communication in international contexts.

Lesson05
ENGLISH IN PAKISTAN
Topic 023: The Linguistic Picture of Pakistan
How many languages are spoken in Pakistan?
Almost 72 languages are spoken in Pakistan.
What are the six major regional languages in Pakistan?
The six major regional languages in Pakistan are Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki,
Urdu, and Balochi.
What percentage of speakers do these six major languages comprise?
These six major languages comprise almost 96% of speakers in Pakistan.
How many mother-tongue speakers does Urdu have?
Urdu has over 11 million mother-tongue speakers.
What percentage of people are barely literate in Urdu?
Nearly 43.92% of people are barely literate in Urdu.

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What is the linguistic diversity in Pakistan?
Pakistan is linguistically diverse, with approximately 72 languages spoken. Six
major regional languages, including Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, Urdu, and
Balochi, dominate, making up nearly 96% of the total speakers. However, there are
also at least 58 minor languages spoken in the country. Urdu, the national
language, has over 11 million mother-tongue speakers and more than 105 million
second-language users. Around 66 million people are barely literate in Urdu. The
privileging of Urdu by the state has led to ethnic opposition due to its association
with the Punjabi ruling elite.
Topic 024: English in Language Education Policy
What was decided at the Pakistan Education Conference in 1947 regarding
language policy?
It was decided that Urdu would be given special status as a lingua franca in
Pakistan, and making English the medium of instruction was seen as potentially
harmful.
When was Urdu declared the official language in West Pakistan?
Urdu was declared the official language in West Pakistan as per the Education
Policy in 1969.
What did the Constitution of Pakistan in 1973 endorse regarding languages?
The Constitution endorsed that the national language of Pakistan (Urdu) should be
used for official purposes within fifteen years, alongside the promotion of Arabic,
English, and provincial languages.
How was English language viewed in the National Educational Policy of 1979?
English language was viewed negatively and was maligned as a legacy of
colonialism.
In the Education Policy of 2009, what subjects are taught in English from
grade four onwards?
Mathematics and Science are to be taught in English from grade four onwards.
How has language policy evolved in Pakistan since its inception?

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Language policy in Pakistan has undergone significant changes over the years.
Initially, after the partition in 1947, English was meant to continue as the official
language until national languages replaced it. However, in practice, English was
favored by the elite. Subsequent policies, such as the Education Policy of 1969,
declared Urdu the official language in West Pakistan and recommended the
gradual replacement of English by 1974. The Constitution of Pakistan in 1973
endorsed the use of Urdu for official purposes within fifteen years, alongside the
promotion of Arabic, English, and provincial languages. The National Educational
Policy of 1979 emphasized 'Islamization and Urduization,' viewing English
negatively as a legacy of colonialism. Policies in subsequent years have shown
varying degrees of support for English, with the Education Policy of 2009
promoting English language education more extensively.
Topic 025: Language Planning, Power, and Ideology
What is language planning?
Language planning is the systematic manipulation of language to achieve specific
state or societal goals.
How has language planning been used in Pakistan regarding local languages?
Pakistan has official LP organizations working to promote local languages such as
Sindhi, Pashto, Baluchi, etc.
What are the three main aspects of language planning?
Language planning includes status planning, acquisition planning, and corpus
planning.
How has language planning in Pakistan affected ethnic and linguistic
minorities?
Ethnic and linguistic minorities have often resented the dominance of Urdu and
English due to state language planning.
What is the connection between language planning and ideology in Pakistan?
Language planning in Pakistan has upheld Urdu and English on ideological and
socio-economic grounds.
What are the main aspects of language planning, and how have they impacted
Pakistan?

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Language planning encompasses three main aspects: status planning, acquisition
planning, and corpus planning. In Pakistan, language planning has been a tool for
shaping the country's linguistic landscape. Status planning has led to the selection
of Urdu as the national language and English as a dominant language of power.
Acquisition planning, including language shift, has influenced language use and
learning patterns among the population. Corpus planning has involved efforts to
change and improve languages' structures and functions. Pakistan's linguistic
diversity has been a source of both cultural richness and tension. Ethnic groups
have often resented the power and status given to English and Urdu, leading to
opposition. The state's ideology has aimed to use Urdu and Islam as symbols of
integration and identity, further emphasizing the link between language and power
in the country.
Topic 026: Language Policy and Planning: Issues and Challenges
What are some challenges in language policy and planning in Pakistan?
Challenges include wrong political priorities, parochial politics, and ambivalence
about national language, official language, and medium of instruction.
According to the Education Policy of 1970, what criteria should a language for
instruction fulfill?
A language for instruction should help students acquire knowledge, communicate
with clarity, and stimulate critical thinking.
What is recommended for future language and education policies in Pakistan?
Clear and practical language and education policies should be promoted, defining
the roles of English, Urdu, and local languages according to cultural sensitivities.
What are the challenges and issues in language policy and planning in
Pakistan?
Language policy and planning in Pakistan face various challenges. These include
wrong political priorities, parochial politics, and ambiguities regarding the roles of
national language, official language, and the medium of instruction. Additionally,
there is a lack of clear and practical language and education policies. Striking a
balance between the cultural sensitivities of diverse communities while defining
the roles of English, Urdu, and local languages remains a complex issue. The

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recurrent claims of changing English with Urdu in official domains have not
materialized, and political actions often diverge from ground realities.
Topic 027: The Status of English in Pakistan
What role does English play in obtaining better jobs in Pakistan?
English is a primary condition for obtaining better jobs in Pakistan.
How is English perceived in terms of individual and national development in
Pakistan?
English is considered an important source of modernization, scientific
advancement, and economic growth at both individual and national levels.
What is the role of English in Pakistan, particularly in terms of employment
and social mobility?
English plays a pivotal role in Pakistan, particularly in employment and social
mobility. Various professions, including civil bureaucracy, the military, business,
law, media, multinational companies, and education, heavily depend on English
language competence. Success in these fields often requires proficiency in English.
Even low-paid jobs, directly or indirectly, demand English proficiency, at least in
writing. English is associated with access to better job opportunities and
socioeconomic mobility.
Topic 028: English Language and Educational Institutions in Pakistan
What is the division of schools in Pakistan based on the medium of
instruction?
Schools in Pakistan are divided into categories based on the medium of instruction,
including elite private schools, schools run by the armed forces, state schools, non-
elite English-medium schools, and madrasas.
What is the symbolic value of English in Pakistani society?
English is associated with "quality education" and is considered highly prestigious
in Pakistani society.
How does English impact the divide between public and private educational
institutions in Pakistan?

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English plays a significant role in the divide between public and private
educational institutions in Pakistan.
Which professions in Pakistan heavily depend on English language
competence?
Professions in civil bureaucracy, military, business, law, media, multinational
companies, and education heavily depend on English language competence.
What is the role of English in the educational landscape of Pakistan?
English serves as a gateway to higher education in many fields and is a key
language for examinations and entry tests in higher education programs.
How is the educational system divided in Pakistan based on the medium of
instruction, and what role does English play in it?
The educational system in Pakistan is divided into various categories based on the
medium of instruction. These categories include elite private schools, schools run
by the armed forces, state schools, non-elite English-medium schools, and
madrasas. English is often a key factor that distinguishes these categories. Elite
private schools and schools run by the armed forces use English as the medium of
instruction and often follow British educational models. These institutions are
considered prestigious and are associated with providing high-quality education.
On the other hand, state schools typically use Urdu as the medium of instruction,
serving the majority of the population. Non-elite 'English-medium' schools have
emerged in recent years, offering education in English at more affordable costs.
Madrasas, which vary in their orientation towards religious studies, also form part
of the educational landscape.

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