Language plays a great role in one’s life. It is the language which conserves a nation’s culture and hands over it to next generations. It is now found that most students fail in language in all stages of examination beginning from primary to H.S.C. stage.

It is observed that most of parents compel their children to give importance to Math and Science. It is needless to say that mathematical and scientific abilities can be developed in children at any stage, even in later stage whereas language ability cannot be developed in later stage. So it is imperative to develop language ability from the very young stage. In this respect the present essay is not highlighting the methods or ways or techniques for as to how language ability can be developed. It’s aim is why a child would learn language and as such the goals of language learning comes to mind. They are:

1. The development of verbal communication skill:

The young child is constantly interacting with those around him (father, mother, brother sister, friends, close relatives etc.). His ability to function in the world is the ability to communicate his wants, needs, feelings etc. and to understand these from others. So it needs to acquaint the child with a good stock of vocabulary.

2. Development of rich language repertoire:

Language is an extension of a person. As from one’s handwriting his person- ality is judged, similarly from one’s language his personality is also judged. So the young child must understand the meanings of words, and structure of language so that he can communicate clearly and properly. Language repertoire not only helps communication but also helps thinking (it is established that a man thinks in his own language even if he  know more other languages). Hence a child’s growths in language will also support his  growth in thought.

3. Development of ability to use language to influence and be influenced

Dale Carning in his highly acclaimed book, ‘How to win friends and influence people’ has shown that it is the power of language which influences people .... So the use of language is a great asset to a person, this decides his popularity or unpopularity. By the time the child reaches nursery school, he is manipulated and he manipulates physically, not verbally. As he enters school he manipulates more by use of words. The teacher gives instructions in words and the word is the tool. This tool or use of language helps the child to talk to other children. More is learned by imitation. So the appropriate use of language is one of the most important social skills the young child can learn. This learning gradually helps him how to talk with others and how to influence others. This skill is gradually acquired as the child grows in years.

4. Developing personal satisfaction and aesthetic appreciation of language:

Every language has aesthetic values. In earlier school stage, use of language has unitarian values. In spite of it, aesthetic values must be inculcated  in children from the very beginning of school years. That is why rhymes, poems, children’s play (dramatics) are included in school syllabus. These help children appreciate  aesthetic value of language, in the broader sense literature.

Parents and teachers should keep in mind that ability in language is ability in expression and social cohesion. It is also a factor of good personality.