English in Pakistan: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

English is in a great paradox in Pakistan. It helps young Pakistanis climb up the social ladder easily but it also prevents others from doing so or, at least, proves to be the biggest impediment in their path. Most people, even in urban areas, know only a few words of English but cannot understand or hold sustained conversation in the language. However, in elite society people speak English spontaneously and naturally not to impress the native speaker of the language but as a matter of habit. So far, it is the language in which the state apparatus functions at the highest level. The judgments of the superior judiciary are in English as are the orders of the government. The officer corps of the armed forces functions in English. In the universities, think tanks, NGOs and newspapers English is the main language of employment. In short, English is the most important elite language, the language of power, in Pakistan. This chapter presents a diachronic (historical) analysis of the roles and functions of English that shape up modern Pakistan. It looks into the ways in which people of different generations have used English and what the future holds for English in Pakistan.