There are several basic things through which we can develop our vocabulary.
SAHIL MANZOOR
“It is simple: if we want to become a public speaker, an effective motivator, an educator, or a counsellor, we need a wealth of knowledge. Sometimes it works that we have little knowledge in bits and pieces and can make things to some extent. However, to motivate a gathering or an individual, we need substantial knowledge and must have a basic understanding of what we are going to deliver.
Today, the competition level is quite high among learners. Primary school-going students have good communication skills, which they have developed from their environment, like friends, family, and school teachers. Teachers play an essential role in developing various languages among learners at the school level. No doubt, the mother language plays an immense role in imparting knowledge simply and properly. Complex concepts can be taught straightforwardly and effectively in the mother tongue. One thing that must be known to us is that in educational institutes, there is a vast diversity of cultures, with different languages 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.
According to NEP-2020 (National Education Policy), it takes students almost six years to get admission to the 1st grade. So, teachers are supposed to admit a student into the first class when they are six years old. During their primary schooling, students spend most of their time playing various games and learning through play-based methods, such as learning A to Z, counting, and Urdu letters through rhymes. Rhymes are very important for pre-primary and primary school students, as they develop their vocabulary and fluency. Repeating rhyming words or other study materials always helps students to a certain extent. Even teachers should allocate one day a week for fundamental concepts for students at the secondary and higher secondary levels.
By ‘basic things,’ I mean providing them with different questions from all subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, Urdu, Kashmiri, etc. The test papers should be student-friendly, and conceptual topics should be accessible. Students who have a clear grasp of the basics feel confident at their level. When the basics are not clear, students become bewildered and lack interest and confidence as well. For learning, there is no age limit; we can assess what we lack and what we need to improve.
If we look at the current trend, most people emphasize communication skills and the English language. Undoubtedly, communication skills are very necessary, and we have to improve them every passing day. At the same time, we have to keep in mind that there are talented individuals who have a strong foundation but lack proficiency in English and communication skills. So, in my opinion, we have to give time to those who are real gems in our country and provide them with what they deserve. Afterwards, they will acquire the basics, such as the English language and good communication skills.
It’s not fair that during interviews, interviewers solely consider communication skills and language proficiency. The country needs dedicated, talented youth who will develop the basics over time. These skills develop naturally; they require an environment where you can be influenced unintentionally.
How can we improve our communication skills, and how can we find the time to do so?
For every learner, reading books is vital and can play a significant role. Book reading enhances our vocabulary and continuously adds new words to our minds. Book reading boosts our confidence and keeps us updated. So, it is up to you; you have to prioritize your demands accordingly. You can register at a public library, where you can access books. If you are financially sound, you can create a mini library at home with selected books. Reading books improves your skills and enhances your knowledge. Reading habits develop various aspects, such as the ability to understand what a sentence conveys. We should read a question or any other material several times for better understanding.
