English is an important second language in Pakistan that enables global communication, opportunities for growth, and access to education and employment (Paragraph 1). It plays a key role in today's interconnected world and acts as a lingua franca connecting people and cultures (Paragraph 2). English serves various functions in Pakistan, including facilitating access to information, cultural exchange, career prospects, and academic excellence (Paragraph 3).

1. Unit 01
Importance of English as a Second Language
in Pakistan
English as a second language (ESL) plays a
vital role in Pakistan's education system,
enabling communication on a global scale
and providing numerous opportunities for
personal and professional growth.
SJ
By
Dr. Shah Jehan

2. Language
Language, being the primary mode of communication,
facilitates understanding and interaction among
individuals, cultures, and societies. It shapes our
thoughts, emotions, and actions, making it an integral
part of human existence.

3. Language
Definition: Language is a systematic means of
communication by the use of sounds or
conventional symbols. It's the medium through
which we share our ideas and thoughts with
others.
Role in Society: Language plays an essential
role in shaping thoughts, cultures, and
histories. It influences social interactions and
accesses knowledge.
•
Language is a system of arbitrary
vocal symbols used for human
communication.

4. Difference between animal and human language
Animal
Human
Other animals do not communicate
by arranging arbitrary sounds,
which limits the number of
messages they can create.
Distinctive sounds, called
phonemes, are arbitrary and
have no meaning. But humans
can string these sounds in an
infinite number of ways to
create meaning via words and
sentences.
Duality of Patterning
Animals have to evolve in order for
their signs to change.
New words can be invented
easily.
Creativity
Animal communication is context
driven—they react to stimuli, or
indexes.
Humans can talk about remote,
abstract, or imaginary things
that aren't happening in their
immediate environments.
Displacement
Every sign has only one meaning.
A word, or sign, can have several
meanings.
Ambiguity
Animals only have a limited number
of combinations they can use to
communicate.
Human language can arrange
words into an infinite number of
ideas, sometimes referred to as
discrete infinity.
Variety

5. Difference between animal and human language
Animal
Human
Certain animal communications in
the animal world can only be used
by one gender of that animal.
Any gender of human can use the
same languages.
Interchangeability
The way that animals
communicate are biological, or
inborn.
Humans acquire language
culturally—words must be
learned.
Cultural Transmission
Animal communication is not
symbolic, so it cannot preserve
ideas of the past.
Human language is symbolic,
using a set number of sounds
(phonemes) and characters
(alphabet), which allows ideas to
be recorded and preserved.
Arbitrariness
Other animals have different
biological structures, which
impact they way they make
sounds.
On a purely biological level, the
human voice box and tongue are
very unique, and are required to
make the sounds we recognize as
language.
Biology

6. • Globalization: In the a
Need and Scope
In today's interconnected world, the need for English
as a s second language becomes even more
evident. English proficiency opens doors to
international education, employment, and global
collaborations.

7. Need and Scope
Globalization: In the age of globalization, English acts
as a lingua franca, connecting countries and cultures.
Education: Many scientific studies, research, and
academic materials are available in English.
Knowing English broadens access to knowledge.
Business and Trade: English is widely used in
international trade. If Pakistan aims to expand its
global business footprint, proficiency in English is
indispensable.

8.  .
Significance
English holds immense
significance in Pakistan due
to its status as the official
language, making it essential
for government, business,
education, and
administration. It bridges the
communication gap and
fosters national unity.
Tourism: English is spoken by tourists and in
international settings, making it useful for tourism
sectors in Pakistan.
Technological Advancement: The majority of software
and technical manuals are in English, so
understanding it facilitates technological progress
Diplomatic Relations: Effective communication in
English can foster better relations with other
countries.

9. Functions
English serves various
functions in Pakistan, as it
enables access to a wide range
of information, facilitates
cultural exchange and
understanding, enhances
employability, and promotes
academic excellence.
1. Interrogative:
When language is used to get information
from others, it serves an interrogative function
.Through Questions that expect answers.
2. Interpersonal:
Language serves an interpersonal function
when it is used to establish and maintain their
status in a society.
Five sub-categories of interpersonal function:
performative, directive, emotive, expressive, and
phatic.

10. Functions 3. Recreational:
The use of language for the sheer joy of
using it. E.g. baby’s babbling, poetry, etc.
4. Metalingual:
The use of language to talk about language
itself. This makes language infinitely self-
reflexive: We human beings can talk about talk
and think about thinking, and thus only humans
can ask what it means to communicate, to think,
to be human.

11. Functions
Interpersonal
Performative:
The use of
language to “do
things”, to
perform actions.
Through quite
formal and even
ritualized
language.
Directive:
When language
is used to get
the hearer do
something, it
serves a
directive
function. Most
Imperative
sentences.
Emotive:
• The use of
language to
create certain
feelings in the
hearer.
Through Jokes,
Advertising,
Propaganda,
etc.
Expressive:
The use of
language to
reveal something
about the
feelings and
attitudes of the
speaker. Through
Exclamations, etc.
Phatic :
The use of
language to
establish an
atmosphere or
maintaining
social contact.
E.g. Greetings,
Farewells, and
Comments on
the weather,
etc.

17. Functions

18. Importance as a Second Language
Identity Formation:
While Urdu remains the
national language,
English proficiency
provides Pakistanis with
a dual identity, allowing
them to be both locally
grounded and globally
connected.
Job Opportunities:
Proficiency in English
opens up broader job
opportunities, not only
within Pakistan but also
abroad.
Cognitive Benefits:
Learning a second
language like English can
improve cognitive abilities,
enhancing problem-solving
skills and memory.

19. Challeng
esandOpportunities
Challenges
Learning a new language can be
challenging, but with dedication
and proper instruction,
individuals can overcome
linguistic barriers.
Opportunities
English proficiency opens doors to
higher education, global job
prospects, and cross-cultural
experiences, empowering
individuals to thrive in a rapidly
changing world.

20. Building English Proficiency
1
Language Courses
Enroll in language courses that focus
on English language proficiency and
provide interactive learning
experiences.
2
Language Exchange
Engage in language exchange
programs or conversation
partnerships to practice and
improve English skills with native
speakers.
3
Immersive Experience
Immerse yourself in an English-
speaking environment through
studying abroad or participating in
language immersion programs.