Language Policy in Karnataka, cont'd.

[Harold F. Schiffman]

>>From the Hindu (Madras), July 23
http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/23/stories/2004072310610400.htm

Karnataka

Kannadigas assured of all support

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, JULY 22. The Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, today said
that Kannadigas, whose numbers in Bangalore were dwindling compared to
other linguistic groups, would get all support from the Government in
developmental activities such as setting up of industries.  Replying to L.
Hanumanthaiah (Congress) during Question Hour, he said that of the State's
population of nearly five crores, Kannadigas comprised 2.98 crores (68.59
per cent) according to the 1991 Census. There were 1.36-crore people who
spoke 17 languages other than Kannada (31.41 per cent).

Mr. Siddaramaiah said Bangalore had only 18,57,320 Kannadigas (38.77 per
cent). The number of non-Kannadigas was 29,32,705 (61.23 per cent).
The number of people from other States in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and
Kerala and their capitals was far lower because those States had tough
language policies to promote their languages and people.

Disagreeing with the suggestion that the migration of people from other
States should be curbed, Mr. Siddaramaiah said what was required was that
they should be taught Kannada.


 Copyright 2000 - 2004 The Hindu
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Karnataka

English is a vehicle of thought: VC

By Our Staff Reporter



BANGALORE, JULY 20. "English is a world language, and it has enabled India
to make it to the comity of nations and absorb the latest scientific
discovery," said Murkoth Ramunni, former political adviser to the Governor
of Nagaland.

Participating in a seminar on "English language and the young learner"
organised by the Regional Institute of English, South India (RIESI) in
Bangalore University, Mr. Ramunni traced the history of English in India.
Indians were able to penetrate the steel frame of British administration
by acquiring mastery over the language, he said. Mr. Ramunni said English
helped India to be united on the scientific and technological fronts.
There were two categories of young learners - the elite and the
underprivileged. If these categories were judiciously mixed, a refined
learning pattern could be devised, he added.

Language was a vehicle of thought and it was in itself a thought, said S.
Thimmappa, Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University. Language could not be
learnt in isolation, but needed effective interaction, he added.

Comparison with other languages helped in better understanding of a
particular language, said N.S. Prabhu, former professor of the University
of Singapore.





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