There are a number of basic things through which we can develop our vocabulary.
It is simple: if we want to become a public speaker, an effective motivator, an educator, or a councillor, we need a gallery of knowledge. Sometimes it works that we have little knowledge by titbits and can make things to some extent, but the thing is that to motivate a gathering or an individual, we need gallery knowledge and must have the basic knowledge about what we are going to deliver.
Today, the competition level is quite high among the learners. Primary school-going students have good communication skills, which they have developed from their environment, like friends, family, school teachers, etc. Teachers play an important role in developing a number of languages among the learners at the school level. No doubt, mother language plays an immense role in inducing a gallery of knowledge in a very simple and proper way. Complex concepts can be taught in a very simple and effective way in the mother tongue. One thing that must be known to us is that in educational institutes there is a vast diversity of culture; different languages are being spoken by students. So we are giving importance to certain languages like Urdu and English that are commonly understood by an impressive average rate of students.
It takes students almost 6 years to get admission to 1st grade, as per NEP-2020 (national education policy). So the teachers are supposed to admit into first class a student who is 6 years old. During his or her primary schooling, students spend most of the time playing different games and learning things through play-based methods like learning A to Z, counting, and Urdu letters through rhymes. Rhymes are very important for the students in pre-primary and primary school, as rhymes develop their vocabulary and fluency. Repeating rhyming words or other study material always helps students to a certain extent. Even teachers should keep one day a week for basic things for the students at the secondary and higher secondary levels.
Basic things I mean here to give them different questions from all the subjects, like English, mathematics, science, Urdu, Kashmiri, etc. The test paper should be student-friendly, and conceptual things should be touchable. Students who are clear on the basics are feeling good at their own level. When the basics are not clear, students are baffled and lack interest and confidence as well. For learning, there is no age bar at any level; we can see what we are lacking and what we need to improve.
If we see the trend today, most people are emphasising communication skills and the English language. No doubt, communication skills are very necessary, and we have to improve with every passing day. At the same time, we have to keep in mind that there are people who are talented, have hold, and are real gems, but unfortunately, they lack hold on English and are weak in communication skills. So for me, we have to give time to those who are real gems in our country and provide them with what they deserve. After that, they will accumulate the basics, like the English language and good communication skills.
This is not fair that at the time of the interview, interviewers are considering communication skills, holding on to language, etc. The country needs dedicated, talented youth for the basic things they will develop later on with each passing day. Such things develop themselves; they need an environment where we get such company that they will teach you unintentionally.
How can we improve our communication skills, and we demand the time from us?
For every learner, book reading is vital and can play a great role. Book reading develops our vocabulary and continuously adds new words to our minds. Book reading builds our level of confidence and keeps us updated. So it is up to you; you have to prioritise your demands accordingly. You can register at a public library, where you get books. If we are financially sound, you can create a mini library at home. Selected books can be kept there. Reading books improves your skills and enhances your knowledge. Reading habits develop a number of things for you, like the power of understanding what a sentence explains. We should read a question or any other material a number of times for better understanding.
SAHIL MANZOOR
RAIYAR-ICH, KHANSAHIB
