Problematizing English in India

The role of English in India is paradoxical. Although extremely important for higher education and upward social mobility, English in general plays a very small role in the domain of hearth and home. Problematizing English in India provides a fascinating collage of strikingly different opinions about the place of English and its future role in India. Based on a substantial study, this book critically examines the status, roles, and functions of English in present-day India from a historical and sociopsychological perspective. Authors R. K. Agnihotri and A. L. Khanna analyze the attitudes and stereotypes of English and English-speaking Indians, patterns of motivational orientation, parental encouragement, and levels of classroom anxiety in different parts of India. As well as the historical, social, and political aspects of English, the book surveys the extant literature on the subject. One recommendation the authors make is that the materials and methods used to teach English be radically modified in tune with the multilingual and multicultural ethos of India. Problematizing English in India provides valuable information for students and researchers in sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, English language teaching, and related fields.