Dear All, This has reference to the advice of Dr. P. Vyasamoorthy. I strongly feel that it is essential to have proficiency in English (to the extent where we will be able to communicate exactly what we want to), since it has already become an universal language all over the world. Why one need to know the English language is for the simple reason that we (being information professionals) have to convey / deliver / disseminate the information properly to others. ---------------------------- For eg.: I am based at an academic institution where the majority of the scientific community include visitors from all over the world. The students based at the Centre are selected on an all India selection basis. They will not know our regional language. If we do not know english properly how do we communicate and help them in locating any document or reference materials etc. How are we expected to interact with them, just like dumb people...with actions ? ---------------------------- It is essential and depends on where you are? what your job specifications? how are you are expected to execute your work etc..etc. Knowing a language which is universal is always good not only for LIS professionals but for all who want to communicate efficiently. --------------------------- I always welcome any suggestions (from this forum) which may help to execute our job in a more fruitful way (instead of taking it as an insult, why not take it as an advice from the experienced professionals to improve ourselves? ). It is left to the other members whether to take the suggestions or ignore it. But, why deny any one on this forum to express their views. After all, ours is a democratic country! ---------------------------- Since all of us able to communicate in English we are on this forum and take advantage of it. otherwise, can we ask NCSI to translate all our communication in regional languages and forward it to the forum ?????? Instead of blaming any language (for its universality), we need to appreciate that we have a language through which we can exchange our views/information all over the world ! I have read several articles in conference proceedings in the field library science, it is really horrible. I do not comment on the authors (of that particular article) proficiency in English ! but for the responsibility of the Editors/conference organisers who bring out the publications without editing it! At the same time I have read excellent articles by Dr. Rajashekar (NCSI), Prof. Shalini (Mysore univ.) to name a few, who always maintain high standards in their writings. Please accept suggestions with open mindedness. Thank you for your patience. Regards, A.V. Nagarathna