English serves as a gateway to the world, and no one should be deprived of the countless opportunities that come with a strong command of the language. However, this does not imply that local languages are dispensable; they play a crucial role in supporting education, including English language education.
Those who often insist on prioritizing local languages are usually fluent in English themselves. Advocates for minority languages must be proficient in English to research their fields and champion their causes at international conferences. By doing this, they also highlight the significance of English. Proficiency in English enables individuals to acquire knowledge, engage with society, better themselves, and make a global impact. It is unjust to willfully deprive people of this capability in the name of preserving tradition.
Nonetheless, this does not mean that local languages can be forgotten or downplayed. Individuals are more likely to succeed—not only in learning English but also in employment and education in general—if they are immersed in communities rich in history and tradition. Local dialects are an integral part of this heritage. Recent efforts to regenerate and celebrate indigenous cultures have shown that the preservation of local languages and the teaching of English can mutually reinforce one another. In this context, local languages serve as the foundation for learning English rather than as obstacles that need to be eliminated.
I believe it is essential for everyone to learn English, but I find it unnecessary to frame the goals of learning English and preserving local languages as conflicting. Each objective supports the other. We should concentrate on how to develop both English and local languages effectively within specific local contexts.