The Power of English in Pakistan: Exploring the Views of University Students

Abstract

Pakistan is a multilingual country with Urdu as its national language. It is entrenched in one of the post-colonial effects; the influence of the English language and the power which it exerts in Pakistan with regards to the ever advancing global world. The case study aims at voicing the views of university students in a hope that their concerns are addressed at national level, which will ultimately lead to equity in English language classrooms in Pakistan. It seeks to explore the views of Banking and Finance students of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, about the power which English language holds and the multiple ways it is exerted. Forty (40) students, taken through random sampling technique were the participants of study. Quantitative data were collected by administering a questionnaire; whereas, an interview protocol was used for collecting qualitative data. The tools collected data in six categories namely increase in self-confidence, seeking admission in foreign universities, a marker of modernity and social class, attaining a lucrative job, basic schooling and a tag of a good student. The results of the study demonstrated that English language holds a great deal of Power in Pakistan in different walks of life as well as in education of students.

Keywords: English in Pakistan, Education, Power of English