Language Matters

Interview with Ms. Leela Joseph, head of the department, department of Communicative English, St. Teresa’s College, Kochi

English language has undergone a revolution from merely a subject of prose, poetry and literature to a more practical subject that offers great scope for communication. It is the language of the global village, used in business, diplomacy, media and education. With the invention of new communication technologies, the power of mass media has grown in stature and defines one’s thoughts and views. Also called functional English, communicative English deals with interesting subjects like journalism, advertising, management studies, public relations, mass communication and film studies.

Students who have completed their plus two in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks can opt for an under graduate program in communicative English and graduates in any discipline can apply for its post-graduation. Good reading habit, an open mind and general awareness about current affairs is a must. Apart from this, good communication skills, innovative thinking, creativity and an eye for detail are an added advantage for communicative English students.

Of late, there has been an upsurge in the visual media with the focus on short films, ad films and documentaries. Internships are a part of this three year course, where students are given on the job training in hospitality sector and advertising firms. In the final year, apart from presenting a thesis, they are required to organise a public relations campaign on a topic of their choice. There are about 100 seats available for a bachelor’s programme in communicative English.

Communicative English offers interesting career options in the education sector as well as a variety of fields such as journalism, mass media, advertising, and management studies like public relations, human resources management and entrepreneurship development. Teaching the subject in a college or university is also an option, apart from a career in a media production house, advertising industry or PR agency. Students can also opt to do an MBA in human resources, to get into management jobs.

With immense possibilities offered in the field of communication, the subject is gaining recognition as a career oriented course and more students are opting for it today.