Tales of a Solitary Soul

My uncle in Pakistan and I were conversing a few days ago when the topic of language surfaced. It's a common trend in third world countries and especially the South Asian ones to employ English as the main language of communication in schools, colleges, and governmental institutions. Increasingly, 'english medium' schools are springing forth where the medium of instruction is in English and not the land's native language. Why?

Partly because the mastery of the English language provides for better job prospects. Undeveloped economies lack the indigenous industrial base and therefore to attract offshore investments, an English speaking labor force is a considerable asset. Another reason is that the colonial legacy ensures a feeling of inferiority for generations and an attraction towards light skin and foreign languages.

There is a saying that to destroy a people's identity, take away their language. The promise of short term success has lured the masses into more than they have bargained for. Fifty years down the road, the damage will become obvious when a generation raised is neither proficient in their native language nor the English one.

Labels: languages

Update (March 27): A response from CBC

Dear Faraz Ahmed:

I write to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail, which I have shared with Mary Sheppard, Executive Producer of CBC News Online, along with the request that your concerns be addressed.

Yours truly,

Vince Carlin
CBC Ombudsman

Recently, death threats were issued against the Muslim Canadian Congress, a fringe group not representative of the views of the Muslim community. Nonetheless, they reserve a right to freedom of expression, no matter how ludicrous, without a fear of reprisal and revenge.

Mainstream Muslim groups such as CAIR have spoken out in their defense but it's interesting to note the media coverage on this issue. The CBC headline screams, "Muslims condemn death threat issued to moderate group."

The group in question is labeled 'moderate' except there is no way to ascertain what exactly constitutes the word's definition. But its presence gives legitimacy to the group in the eyes of the reader because after all, moderate has a much nicer ring to it than 'extremists.' The story goes on to state the group "has been speaking out publicly in support of equality for women."

Two false and subtle meanings are conveyed:
1. Muslims don't given women equal rights
2. This is the ONLY group that speaks for women

Don't be naive to think this was unintentional. Journalism is not neutral, not by a long shot. It's just that methods of mis-leading have become more refined and sophisticated.

Labels: bias, CAIR, CBC, Islam, journalism, misleading, Muslim Canadian Congress, women

The other day, I was discussing with someone about my attempts to cut down the sleeping hours. Realized that if we sleep 6 hours every day, then by the age of 60, we'd have slept 15 years of it. But then again, some people will not wake up their entire lives.

Been desperately trying to take advantage of every minute though it still manages to fly by like a Ferrari. Also attempting to maintain a healthy balance unlike the usual overdose of school that has become the norm during the month before exams. In the midst of finishing two books, among others:

1. Companions of the Prophet
2. Purification of the Heart - Matharat-ul-Qulub by Imam Mawlud

Another one has been sitting on the shelf for a while now but can't begin on it till after exams: Islamic Methodology of Education

Labels: Books, Islam, sleep

I imagined securing an overseas volunteer position should be piece of cake, considering I will be paying for my own airfare and accommodation. It probably would have been easier to get a paid job..

Well, the hunt continues but with very little success for now. Let's see where this road leads to.

Labels: overseas, volunteer