Telugu is the official language of the Indian states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and is predominantly spoken by nearly 82 million people. A significant part of Telugu language learning involves cultural concerns. Cultural differences in the use of English in India and abroad can impact how learners perceive spoken English. For instance, in India, English is rarely used in daily business transactions (such as checkpoints or in queues in foreign countries).
In contrast, in many countries, English is a second language often used as a global language. It would be incorrect to think that English can be learned at home or that home language acquisition is the only way to acquire English vocabulary or command of spoken English. Instead, language learning in the context of cultural diversity requires students to interact with people who speak a different English language and who may not share the same English cultural practices. You can also take help from a company like Offshoreally which provides language translation services.
As language learning specialist Prabhakar Subedar pointed out in his 2021 book, The Languages of India, “a successful education system… cannot succeed by ignoring the cultural factors that shape the language learning process… Rather, it should address these factors.” This recognition of a student’s responsibility towards other speakers has helped the Telugu language learning community build a robust institutional infrastructure dedicated to ensuring that students learn about language diversity in Indian culture and society. For instance, most institutions of higher learning that have Telugu courses require students to take part in immersion studies. These are programs in which a group of students is assigned to live in an English-speaking community for several days, conversing in English as much as possible. In many cases, students are also provided with resources that they can use in writing essays, taking part in group discussions and mastering written communication
Additionally, exposure to cultural materials outside the classroom helps students appreciate the complexity of the English language and allows them to explore creative ways of using native languages to build their understanding of the culture and society in which they live. For example, while Hindi is primarily perceived as a soft and beautiful language, students need to note that it is a highly expressive language that conveys powerful emotional content. By taking part in literature-reading, writing and speaking workshops, students will develop more skills in literary composition and an increased understanding of the role of language in contemporary Indian society.
In addition to exposure to multiple language varieties, students also need to be attentive to and embrace other forms of media that promote language study. While Telugu doesn’t lend itself well to screen-writing, comic books and other reading materials can be invaluable to students who are keen on expanding their linguistic horizons. This exposure to cultural norms helps to create an environment that fosters linguistic reasoning and linguistic creativity.
Additionally, some institutions of higher learning have introduced programs that allow students to converse in both English and Telugu. While English is often seen as the norm when it comes to mainstream business and commercial transactions, there are many Indians who continue to speak Telugu.
There are also higher learning institutions that introduced language learning materials specifically for the Telugu population. These programs provide materials that educate students about their culture and the importance of preserving their language. Some of these classes are so comprehensive that students are allowed to experience the cultural phenomena of Telugu while they acquire English language proficiency. Students in such programs can then work in local businesses that cater to the mainly fluent Telugu demographic.
All in all, learning the Telugu language offers a unique opportunity to expand one’s cultural horizons. By learning English, students can engage in exchanges with speakers of other languages and cultures. They may also be exposed to the works of world-renowned authors and artists. By combining these opportunities with exposure to one of the most spoken languages on earth, students can enrich their lives with an education that will last a lifetime. Learning a new language has led to increased employment opportunities in the field of translation services. Even Telugu translation services are in demand as many foreign entrepreneurs are entering the Indian market.
