Language holds sway over anything. It’s an alleyway through which all the information or knowledge passes. It’s a means, an inevitable means, for imparting knowledge. Even signs and symbols of mathematics and physics yield to language for explanation. The better the language, the worthier the explanation! Weak language begets unsound knowledge. Incorrect language leads to imperfection in education. Austrian–British Philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein said, "The limits of language are the limits of knowledge." He further said, "what can be thought clearly, can also be said clearly." Let me add here: what can’t be said clearly, may not be thought clearly. Good language gives proper direction to our thinking process.
According to statistics, one in five of the world’s population speaks English, notwithstanding their different perceptions, connotations, values and cultural properties. It is currently the primary language used on World Wide Web, both in the political and business arenas. English has, therefore, attained the status of the World Language. As a consequence of the convergence of various ethnic communities, the need for communication among the people of various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds has become indispensable. Dear Students, keeping this hard fact in mind, Preston University-Ajman has laid much concern on the English Department, where we provide different levels of English instruction to students.
At this point, I would reiterate the fact that the role of English language is paramount in building your career, and you have to take this truth in stride throughout your life. Hence, you will have to excel in both speaking and writing, and simultaneously pass this message on to others who are still reluctant to accept this hard fact.
Use English language inter-culturally in an effective manner. Aside from learning good English, you will have also to fight against bad English—against vagueness and a lack of precision, against pretentious diction and hyperbolic phrases, against the prevalent practice of using unnecessary adjectives and against stale words or phrases which block your thinking, for the accumulation of stale words or phrases choke learners like tea leaves blocking the drain in a sink. Learn English language and teach others to learn. Speak and write good, correct English and motivate others to do the same. Knowledge that flows like a river is forever fresh. If it is blocked and restrained, it stinks and then stings—to you and everyone else.
Dr. Syed Khalid Iqbal Haider
