PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS TOWARDS URDU LANGUAGE IN PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN RAWALAKOT

Abstract

This study explore the understanding of primary school teachers view and experience Urdu as a language of communication. Objectives of this study were to explore the perceptions of teachers towards Urdu language as a mean of communication in private primary schools in Rawalakot. Ten teachers from different private schools were purposefully selected for in-depth semi-structured interviews using a qualitative study approach. The results show that English is more often preferred by private school teachers over Urdu, with reasons given for claimed benefits such increased student confidence and better opportunities for global exposure. This tendency is consistent with the beliefs of the colonial age, in which English is still seen as superior. On the other hand, some teachers stress the necessity for balanced language training and understand the need of fostering Urdu to preserve cultural identity