Representative image

CHANDIGARH: The parents in Tricity are a confused lot as to what their child should opt for as a third language . They even took to social media to look for solutions and get some clarity from experts. The experts suggest that parents must choose after deciding on child's prospects. For instance, if the students wishes to go abroad then they should opt for French language. However, parents feel that the level of French being taught in schools is not up to the mark.

Nitin Goyal, president Chandigarh Parents’ Association said, “Most private schools encourage parents to opt for the foreign language. Some schools are offering French and some are offering German without properly guiding the parents about the pros and cons. Hence, we took the discussion to social media and we are getting quite valuable inputs from various experts. We plan to post a blog on this in the coming days. During an online research, I found that French is at number 10 in the ranking of world's most spoken languages. Interestingly, Hindustani (Hindi-Urdu) is at number 4.”

The confusion has been created as parents are divided on the pros and cons of Indian and foreign languages. “There is no use of foreign language because after Class VIII most schools stop teaching it. They don’t have proper faculty,” said Jaspreet Singh, a parent.

What schools suggest?

Ritu Bali, principal AKSIPS, Sector 41 said, “The parent should have a foresight while choosing the second language for their child. In this world of globalisation, learning French will be an asset especially for those who are planning to go abroad to pursue higher studies as it is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world. Ideally one needs to see where the child will be in next seven years. Knowledge of foreign language improves one’s skills and grades in Math and English. As such living in Punjab, one is already exposed to the mother tongue.”

Giving another perspective Reekrit Serai, dean, Satluj Public School, Panchkula said, “Punjabi has more of sentimental value and is taught to preserve our culture. Furthermore, if students are looking to work in Punjab after graduation or work for the government, it makes sense to opt for Punjabi. French is the tenth most widely spoken language in the world. But, over time, it has lost relevance. French is taught widely in India due to the mushrooming of Alliance Française centres in prominent cities, including Chandigarh. I think French should be replaced by Spanish (due to the growing importance of Latin American culture) or Mandarin so that the next generation of Indians gain a competitive advantage globally. But, as of now, French is the most widely accepted foreign language by Indian schools.”

Schools are also trying to help parents in making a selection. Niyati Chitkara, principal Chitkara International School said, “To help parents decide we hold a proper session to guide them. We show the opportunities that Punjabi language offers and opportunities that French language offers in terms of career connect and career opportunities, threats in case you choose any of the two. And also what could be the challenges if you select any, hence parents are also shown career paths of some students who choose French and the ones who choose Punjabi and where they are today.”

