Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

English | Français
Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter


Shastri News - August 2009

A new way of thinking about English in India

One of the greatest assets to India-Canada academic collaboration is the general ability to communicate in a common language – English. However, the place of the English language in India is still a heavily debated topic due to its roots in British colonization. Was English imposed on India by the British? If so, why is it so widely accepted nearly 60 years after independence? Dr. Alok Mukherjee tackles these questions and many more in his new book, This Gift of English: English Education and the Formation of Alternative Hegemonies in India.

This Gift of English, which draws on the theories of Gramsci and Bourdieu, makes the case that, contrary to popular view, English education in India resulted from a conjuncture of the colonial agenda of the British rulers and the revivalist agenda of wealthy ‘high’ caste Hindus. He further argues that India’s current English curriculum is still dictated by these two historical hegemonic agendas. Mukherjee suggests that India needs to reject the way English has historically been taught and move to a curriculum that is relevant today in order to empower all levels of society.

According to Mukherjee, change has to start with the ‘gatekeepers,’ who dictate the content of exams for entry into public service and teaching sectors. “Most students take English in order to gain employment,” he explains, “so universities have little motivation to change what they teach if it means moving away from the content of such exams.” Mukherjee hopes that this book will not only educate on the history of English in India, but also spur discussion about educational policy changes.

Dr. Alok Mukherjee, who resides in Toronto, taught at York University and is currently Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board. In July, he travelled to India to promote his book at various events including a stimulating panel discussion at the University of Delhi co-organized by the English Literary Society and the Centre for Canadian Studies. The launch, which was held on July 14, 2009, struck a cord with panelists and other participants.

“This book is one of the most comprehensive and probing accounts of the issues involved in the discussion relating to English and India.” ~ M.S. Nagarajan, The Hindu

Dr. Mukherjee received a Student Research Fellowship from the Shastri Institute in 1998 to work on “The Evolution and Teaching of Post-Colonial Literature in Canadian and Indian Universities,” a pre-cursor to his current book.

Back to the Newsletter

Comments

On August 17, 2010, qiqi said:

The recently launched ghd IV styler is the ideal solution.a Gucci handbags just doesn’t make sense until you see it in person,UGG Upside Boots become more and more popular.UGG Classic Tall Boots,Slouch the UGG Classic Short 5825 Boots down.UGG Classic Cardy Boots are definitely appropriate to wear all year round. I always think that with UGG Boots on sale, I always feel so confidence and relaxed.

目录页:
Walking on the sidewalk, you will find that the focal point must always be UGG Classic tall boots 5815.The UGG Boots 5825 is the footwear equivalent of your comfiest cardigan sweater.I personally think how to select a pair of UGG Boots 5163 is an important thing. Once you put these Uggs Cardy on in the morning you will find it hard to take them off.
then let the bottom of UGG Bailey Button Bootsface up control of dry, it must be controlled dry to make water flow out.but also the Speedy is one of the most iconic gucci wallets.wssssssssss

On August 17, 2010, qiqi said:

The recently launched ghd IV styler is the ideal solution.a Gucci handbags just doesn’t make sense until you see it in person,UGG Upside Boots become more and more popular.UGG Classic Tall Boots,Slouch the UGG Classic Short 5825 Boots down.UGG Classic Cardy Boots are definitely appropriate to wear all year round. I always think that with UGG Boots on sale, I always feel so confidence and relaxed.

目录页:
Walking on the sidewalk, you will find that the focal point must always be UGG Classic tall boots 5815.The UGG Boots 5825 is the footwear equivalent of your comfiest cardigan sweater.I personally think how to select a pair of UGG Boots 5163 is an important thing. Once you put these Uggs Cardy on in the morning you will find it hard to take them off.
then let the bottom of UGG Bailey Button Bootsface up control of dry, it must be controlled dry to make water flow out.but also the Speedy is one of the most iconic gucci wallets.wq343

On September 20, 2010, zuzum said:

English education in India resulted from a conjuncture of the colonial agenda of the British rulers and the revivalist agenda of wealthy ‘high’ caste Hindus. He further argues that India’s current English curriculum is still seks dictated by these two historical hegemonic agendas. Mukherjee suggests that India needs to reject the way English has historically been taught and move to a curriculum

On April 05, 2011, dfdf said:

too many details about yourself initially. If you do, you would haveCoach Jewelry feo how to make money fast “uncovered” the mystery for her and there will be no reason for her to get to know you better.

On August 12, 2011, Brook said:

Thank you for your tips!Juicy Couture stores

Add a Comment

Please read our Comment Policy before posting a comment.

Name:

Email:

Remember my personal information.
Notify me of follow-up comments?

We don't know if you're a human. Confirm below:


Listening To Locals So They Can Be Heard
Listening To Locals So They Can Be Heard

He has lost count of the number of times he has been to India, but Dr. John Sinclair is under no illusions about the value of those trips. Continue...

More Profiles