DID OUR PRIMITIVE ANCESTORS THINK?

          Being a teacher of English as a second language, teacher trainer and resource person in English, these days I am obsessed with so many questions .Did our ancestors in the primitive ages think since there was no language at that time? We know that human beings discovered language in themselves during their evolutionary process. Is language biological or sociological? If it is sociological, why don’t other animals speak? Is it possible to think without language? Is it possible to speak language without thought? In which language does a multi-lingual think? Are Language and thought different or are they inseparable?  Did the primitive people have thoughts or only emotions? Does a mute person think or does the person only have feelings and emotions? Is the condition of a mute person was similar to the primitive men since there was no language? I think the only difference was all the primitive men were almost mute. But the mute person lives among the people who can speak in the contemporary world.

   I was chosen to be one of the Text Book writers by STATE COUNCIL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH, Hyderabad. I need to enhance my thinking on language in general and English as a second language in particular .The SCERT has opted for a paradigm shift from behaviorist approach to constructivist approach on the guide lines of NCERT, DELHI.

  Preparing text books in languages and social sciences in a multi-lingual and religious country like India is always difficult. The curriculum designers and the textbook writers need to be careful about the content and its presentation. They have to think in terms of the philosophical, sociological, psychological, linguistic, Educational and gender based needs, perceptions and prejudices of the society.   

         At this crucial juncture I would like to have comments and suggestions from language experts, Linguists, and educationists across the world as they will help the curriculum designers and the text book writers to bring out English Readers which will revolutionize the process of teaching English as a second language in the State of ANDHRAPRADESH. Since the curriculum is based on constructivist approach, the suggestions and comments from Constructivists are mostly welcome.

Looking forward to your prompt responses and suggestions

Yours sincerely,

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