Why in the News?

India faces a challenge in advancing global technology and promoting cultural nationalism.

What are the key contradictions between India’s linguistic policies and its ambitions for global technological leadership?

• Promotion of Global Tech Leadership vs. Linguistic Nationalism: While the government advocates for technological innovation and global collaboration (e.g., PM Modi’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit in Paris), cultural nationalist groups like the RSS push to reject English and promote indigenous languages. Example: Maharashtra’s mandate to prioritize Marathi in government offices conflicts with the need for English proficiency in global tech and business environments.
• Dual Education System: Private schools emphasize English, preparing students for global opportunities, while most government schools focus on regional languages, limiting access to global knowledge. Example: Elite private-school graduates secure jobs in multinational tech firms, while students from regional-language schools face barriers in competitive industries like AI and software development.
• Language as Identity vs. Economic Pragmatism: While India debates language as a cultural marker, other countries treat English as a tool for economic advancement. Example: China and South Korea prioritize English proficiency to foster technological growth, whereas India’s linguistic nationalism hampers similar progress.
• Global Collaboration vs. Linguistic Isolation: Success in emerging fields like AI requires collaboration in English-led international forums, but domestic policies discourage its widespread adoption. Example: Israel mandates English alongside STEM education, enabling global research participation, while India’s restrictive policies hinder such integration.
• Access to AI and Digital Technologies: AI technologies are predominantly developed and documented in English, yet linguistic policies limit access for a majority of Indians. Example: Indian startups working on AI and machine learning struggle to scale globally due to the language barrier affecting workforce readiness.

Why is English proficiency considered crucial for India’s future workforce in the AI-driven economy?

• Access to Global Knowledge and Innovation: Most research papers, technical documentation, and AI frameworks are published in English. Without proficiency, Indian professionals face barriers to understanding and applying the latest advancements. Example: Cutting-edge AI models like GPT and TensorFlow are primarily documented in English, making it essential for developers to engage with and innovate using these tools.
• Enhanced Employment Opportunities: English is the dominant language in multinational companies and global tech ecosystems. Proficiency opens doors to better-paying jobs and international collaborations. Example: Indian engineers fluent in English are preferred by global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta for roles in AI development and data science.
• Participation in Global AI Governance and Policy: As AI evolves, international regulatory frameworks and ethical discussions are conducted in English. Without linguistic competence, India risks being sidelined in shaping global AI norms. Example: India’s ability to contribute to forums like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) depends on having experts who can engage in technical and policy dialogues in English.

Way forward: 

• Balanced Language Policy: Implement a multilingual education framework that promotes regional languages while ensuring universal access to English from an early age to enhance global competitiveness.
• Inclusive Digital Ecosystem: Invest in translating AI resources and technical content into regional languages while encouraging English proficiency to bridge the linguistic divide in emerging technologies.

Mains PYQ:

Q Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.” (2019) 

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