THE (ENGLISH) LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: A REVIEW OF PAKISTANI EDUCATION, CULTURE AND THE MEDIA.

Abstract

The present position paper explores and examines the centrality of English language and communication skills in Pakistani education, culture and the media. Through conceptual inquiry and firsthand observation, it is foregrounded that an eclectic approach (through the instrumental use of language and communication skills) can best replace the dated system in vogue. Effectual language and communication skills are seminal to all other life coping skills as they enable people (of diverse—or, even divisive cultures) to interact synergistically. Also, they effectively shape and convey all other skills (like: critical-creative thinking skill, parenting and negotiating skills, decision- making and problem-solving skills, self-awareness and self-assertion skills, leadership and employability skills, and so forth) for acquiring the desired outcome. That being said, the need and importance of the subject skills are inevitable as well as unavoidable for securing and leading a successful life—not only for oneself—but for others, too. Since education, culture and the media (in a Pakistani milieu) are tightknit; thus, they tend to influence not only one another, but other life skills as well. Therefore, the rationale for and significance of the current study becomes evident in the contemporary ambience to cope with the problems that inhibit the Pakistani education system, cultural mores, and the media discourse. The aforesaid three vital pillars (if efficiently thought-and- wrought-out) would play a significant role in bringing about national integration and social cohesion.