Question

The role of English in India is that of
1. The first language 
2. The mother tongue
3. A foreign language
4. A second language

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : A second language

The Three Language Formula was devised in the chief ministers conferences held during 1961. The National Commission on Education known as the Kothari commission examined and recommended a graduated formula which was recommended by the 1968 policy. The

three language formula as stated in the 1968 policy is:

• The First language: It has to be studied must be the mother tongue or the regional language.
• The Second language: In Hindi speaking States, the second language will be some other modern Indian language or English. In non-Hindi speaking States, the second language will be Hindi or English.
• The Third language: The third language is taught at a later stage in school, and that too for a shorter time, as it is needed only in limited context i.e. in a social situation where neither first nor second language could help the child to communicate.

Hence, from the above explanation, it can be concluded that the role of English in India is that of a second language