A writer describes their experience with a unique educational approach, one that defies the common assumption that a Bengali-medium schooling would hinder an English-medium career. This assumption often stems from the belief that vernacular education relegates English to a secondary role, but the writer’s journey challenges this notion by showcasing how their schooling supported a deep appreciation for both languages.
Their journey began at Patha Bhavan High School in Kolkata, where they were introduced to Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry in Bengali. The school’s philosophy, rooted in Tagore’s Visva Bharati and the Brahmo Samaj, emphasized the coexistence of the mother tongue and acquired languages. This philosophy was not just theoretical but was embedded in the daily practices of the school, where students engaged with literature and subjects in both languages from an early age.
A Unique Educational Approach
The school’s curriculum was distinct, treating Bengali and English as equals. Students learned subjects like science and history in Bengali in the morning, and English literature in the afternoon. This approach supported a deep understanding of both languages, allowing them to collaborate rather than compete. The curriculum was designed to ensure that neither language was marginalized, supporting a bilingual environment that enriched the learning experience.
Read Also: Delhi legalizes 2,000 previously unrecognized schools
The writer’s experience challenges the notion that a vernacular medium education is a disadvantage for English-language careers. They argue that the quality of English instruction, not the medium of other subjects, is key. This perspective is further reinforced by the school’s independent English curriculum, which was developed to meet high standards of literature, grammar, and composition, ensuring that students were proficient in both languages.
The Newsroom Doesn’t Care
In the fast-paced world of journalism, the writer’s Bengali-medium background has never been an issue. The newsroom values fluency, literacy, and the ability to craft clear, concise copy. Their skill in editing and headline writing has been honed over 16 years, proving that language proficiency is not solely determined by the medium of instruction. The newsroom’s focus on the end product—the quality of the copy and headlines—rather than the educational background of the journalist, shows the importance of practical skills and dedication to the craft.
The writer’s unique linguistic background has, in fact, become an asset. It allows them to discern the nuances of Bengali expressions underlying English copy, adding depth to their editing process. This skill, they note, is not taught in style guides but is a product of their bilingual upbringing. The ability to understand the cultural and linguistic undertones of Bengali expressions in English copy enables them to enhance the accuracy and authenticity of the reporting, particularly in stories from Bengal’s hinterlands.
Read Also: NIRF Rankings for Higher Education Released
The Power of Bilingualism
The writer’s school, Patha Bhavan High School, believed that language is a way of thinking, not just talking. This philosophy encouraged students to engage with literature from both Bengali and English traditions, such as Tagore, Jibanananda Das, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Shakespeare. As a result, the writer developed a subtle understanding of both languages, allowing them to collaborate rather than compete. This dual exposure to rich literary traditions supported a subtle appreciation of language and its role in shaping thought and expression.
The Editor’s Advantage
In the newsroom, the writer’s bilingual background has proven to be an asset. This skill, which is not taught in style guides, enables them to catch subtle nuances in reporting from Bengal’s hinterlands, where the Bengali language and culture are deeply intertwined. The ability to bridge the linguistic and cultural gap between Bengali and English enhances the quality and authenticity of the stories they edit.
Leave a Reply