I am writing with reference to the article “Teach us English but without its cultural values" by Dr. Khalid Al-Seghayer (Jan. 29). Culture and language are interrelated issues and one affects the other. This concern is valid especially at the point where linguistics overwhelms cultural values. We must retain our traditions without sacrificing learning the English language, which is of course important for business and international communication. Culture and religion are also interrelated in the same sense. Historically, religion merged into local cultures wherever it went and not vice versa. There are a variety of cultures among Muslims around the world. Traditions and value systems in the Arab world are different from those in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. Muslims in Tashkent and the United States have different cultures, while all of them in these diversified societies are practicing Islam as their faith. We find more commonalities in the cultures of Arab Muslims and Muslims in other parts of Asia due to geographical closeness when compared with Muslims in Europe or North America. Culture is important and we must retain our Islamic posture and traditions while learning another language or new technologies. Our culture is also affected due to scientific and technological advancement taking place much faster than ever before. It has an impact on each country and geographical region and in order to achieve economic objectives in the changing environment, countries resort to bilateral and multilateral practices. Therefore, the Global Village is not free from the effects of foreign culture. “Teach us English but without its cultural values” is the right concern: The key to language learning and its impact on cultural values is the teacher. Why do we learn English from native English speakers? It is not imperative to speak English like Americans or Brits. Many Europeans speak English fluently as a second language in their own accent, which is a reflection of their culture. If we employed qualified English teachers from Muslim countries, it would reduce the effects of Western culture while learning English. What is really important is to learn English and minimize its cultural impact. Senior Saudi officials trained abroad have full command of the English language, but they portray moral character in accordance with Islamic traditions. Muhammad Ali Chishty, Riyadh
