The concept of liberal arts is a broad concept and has various dimensions. Multidisciplinary study has been given vital importance in liberal arts education.  Liberal arts is a field of study based on rational thinking and it includes the areas of humanities, social and physical sciences and mathematics.

A liberal arts degree includes the study of history, literature, writing, philosophy, sociology, psychology, creative arts and so on.

Along with all other aspects, multilingual capacity would enhance the cognitive skills of a learner. Knowledge of multiple languages enable learners to expand their intellect and mental horizon.

As for as “National Education Policy”- 2020 is concerned, the policy considered that promotion of Indian Languages, Arts and Culture as area of key focus as it emphasizes the importance of Indian Culture and heritage with different dimensions.

The promotion of Indian arts, culture and heritage is effectively possible when it includes the advancement of indigenous languages.  The matter of worry for us is that India lost over 220 languages in the last 50 years. UNESCO has declared 197 Indian Languages as “Endangered.”  With these facts NEP-2020 is being given much importance to the study and research of Indian Languages.  Based on these things it is essential to give an importance to the study of indigenous languages in liberal arts education.

As there is a saying in Rigveda “Aano Bhadraha Krutavo Yantu Vishwataha” which means let noble thoughts come to us from all the sides of the world.  Multilingual capacity of a learner would surely help him/ her to take knowledge from different languages and diverse cultures.

National Education Policy emphasises the importance and relevance of Indian classical languages.  Along with Sanskrit “National Education Policy” has given importance to the study of Indian classical languages with rich heritage of oral and written literature including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Oriya and so on. Besides English, the study and knowledge of Indigenous languages (Multilingualism) surely enhance the chances of career opportunities for liberal arts learners.

National Education Policy 2020 promotes multilingual theory in schools and Institutes of Higher Education in India. Learning indigenous languages would help learners to obtain translation skills and expand their oratory skill.

Career prospect in Kannada Language Courses:

As for as importance of Kannada language learning in liberal arts courses is concerned, the proficiency in the language gives a prospective career to the aspirants.

The major opportunities for the language proficient are found in

• Teaching
• Literature
• Translation and other language services
• Tourism
• Print Media
• Advertising Companies or agencies
• T.V. Channels
• Radio Channels

Teacher/Lecturer/Professor: The graduation in the language or equivalent with bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.) enables one to become a teacher. Post-Graduation with the passing out in National Eligibility Test (NET) is the required qualification for being a Lecturer and Assistant Professor. The higher degree Ph.D. enables one to be a professor. The opportunities are found in both government and private organizations.

Poet/Story or Novel Writer/Article Writer: Many people those who are confident of their language skills choose these kinds of job roles. They work either as freelancer/individual worker or under any reputed writer/ newspapers and magazines. Many like to take three of the job roles to be a versatile writer.

In film and television industry one can, be script writer or story writer or lyricist as per their talent. The payment is not constrained for the talented in these industries.

Journalist/Editor:

These job roles require a certificate or a course in the journalism or equivalent besides the degree in the language. The job roles are found in mass media like newspapers, T.V. channels.

Translator/content writers: Many servicing companies are recruiting the language experts for the works like translating, content writing etc. Many organisations are giving priority to promote their brands and apps in indigenous languages.  The online servicing companies are taking a lion’s share in providing the opportunities in the sector. The courses in the language make a way to the prosperous career options that one can choose across various fields.

Dr. Vivekanand Sajjan
Assistant Professor- Kannada
Dept. of Language and Literature