This year again the SC results have brought to light the state of health of English language in secondary schools. If a candidate has only been able to score a mere pass 7/8 in English, this speaks volume of his poverty at language level. It underlines his deficiency in three aspects namely grammar, tenses and vocabulary. The standard of English language at SC level has been brought down considerably par rapport to the English paper set in the 60s. In spite of such a standard along with a generous marking, there are still hundreds of candidates who fail to make the grade each year. Even those who have performed with a credit or very good, can improve in their language standard.. When they are put through their paces, we see the many flaws in their English. Consequently we can imagine the level of the rest who have not been able to go beyond a mere pass. So it is clear that we are churning out quantity. We are just chasing quality.

On the occasion of World Book Day it would not be out of place to remind the school population and their parents the importance of reading. Without a wide and varied vocabulary there is no comprehension and expression. And where do they get it? Only through intelligent and purposeful reading. Unfortunately it has plummeted to its lowest point among the school population. They have become slaves to their distractions. Without reading their word bank is in the red. How can we expect students to comprehend what they read and express themselves with such an anaemic vocabulary? And we have a school population which is allergic to reading!

However, it is sad to note that even certain pedagogues fail to see this reality. They argue that the teaching methodology of English should be reviewed, with more workshops, seminars and what not for English teachers to boost up the standard. What will a new approach or workshops and seminars do when the core of the problem is acute lack of reading on the part of students. It is the number one problem if we want quality English. We should not distance ourselves from that reality. If we want to raise the standard of English at SC and HSC tomorrow our students must read today. And for this they need the undivided support of their parents who should see that there is a balance between reading and distractions. But reading cannot be imposed. It must be spontaneous and natural. Don?t ask the child to switch off the TV and get down to some reading. Under pressure he will do it but he will simply feign reading because he has been coerced into it. But when the child goes to his library and takes a book on his own accord to read, then he is reading since all the ingredients are there for a successful reading - the mood, the desire and the pleasure. For this, parents have to help children develop an early taste for reading. Once the child has got the taste of reading, it grows naturally upon him.

If we parents want our children to enjoy the pleasure of literature and build up their vocabulary, we have a crucial role to play. Because behind the successful reading of every child stands a parent. And we can thus expect a rise in the standard of language. Language means vocabulary, which is synonymous with reading. If we want quality language, there should be intelligent and purposeful reading on the part of our students. Otherwise the language level will keep tumbling down. Actually Mauritius is the only Commonwealth country where English has regressed. So on the occasion of World Book Day let us wake up to the importance of reading in the linguistic landscape and bring home to the school population the importance of books, an essential element in the recipe of school success.

<B>Raj PANEKEN</B>