Importance of Multi-Language Counselling for Indian Students
Sandipan Dawn 23rd October 2024In this globalized era, language can be seen as a force that brings people together. For instance, while providing career counselling services, being able to speak many languages as a professional is not only an added advantage but an outright necessity. Multi-language counselling is helpful so that students and job seekers who seek guidance can do so in the language of their preferences. This aspect becomes all the more important in a country like India, which is well known for cultural integration within its many religions, hence, each tailor-made career counselling usually takes care of such needs. In this blog, the focus shall be on understanding the importance of multi-language counselling in career guidance, its advantages to the students and why FutureLift and similar platforms are needed to deliver such services.
Importance of Multilingual Counselling in India
In the case of India, linguistic diversity exists at every corner. Not only does the vast expanse of the country boast 22 official languages, it also has hundreds of dialects. In metropolitan cities, English is usually the language of instruction, but for a bigger percentage of the population particularly the children and mostly those residing in the rural setup, this is not their first language. This is where multilingual career guidance counselling comes in.
Why Does Multilingual Counseling Have Such Great Importance?
1. No Language Barrier
Language is perhaps one of the greatest advantages of multi-language counselling. By promoting multilingualism, career counsellors can include more students from different regions and help those students who otherwise would not have been able to receive help. For instance, a student situated in Tamil Nadu may be keen to talk about career matters in Tamil rather than Hindi or English. In the same light, a student from West Bengal may wish to be counselled in Bengali. Students are usually encouraged to communicate in a language that they are fully comfortable with, hence, it is more likely that they will actively participate in the discussion and comprehend the information being shared.
2. Trust and Comfort
Communication should not only be viewed as sharing information but it is building dependence. It is often comforting and trust-inspiring when students or job seekers interact with an employment counsellor in their first language. They will be able to express their fears and concerns, seek clarifications on common issues and even express their hopes and aspirations since there will be no communication barriers. Open communication is fundamental in providing real and useful career guidance
3. Relevance to Culture
Any language is more than a means of interaction; it is also a carrier of culture. Career counsellors who can communicate in the native dialect of their students are likely to understand the people more. This gives room for more guidance which is appreciated because it considers the person’s prior history and beliefs.
4. Enhanced Understanding
Considering even students with some proficiency in English and Hindi, there is a great advantage of having the counselling done in their mother tongue. The implications of a career choice are quite significant and therefore must be understood as they come out comprehensively.
5. Empowering the Students of Remote Area
In India, rural and remote regions lack adequate career counselling services, and language becomes an additional barrier as well. Students residing in such areas might know only their local language and career services that are only available in English or Hindi. This problem can be solved by multi-language counselling which can make career guidance easier for these students.
6. Increased Confidence
Students tend to feel much more comfortable and engaged whenever they are speaking in their preferred language. This is even more critical in the case of career counselling students who are already quite apprehensive about themselves and other things. It enables them to seek clarifications, ask questions, and discuss possible career choices more assuredly.
FUTURELIFT’s Contribution to Multi-Language Counselling
As a leading career counselling company within India, FutureLift has also understood that multi-language counselling is crucial in effective and enhanced counselling services. Through the promotion of counselling in various languages, FutureLift makes certain that young adults with different language abilities do not lack access to counsel because of language. According to Mr Rahul Dubey, the Chief Executive Officer of FutureLift, he believes that career counselling should be tailored to every student. This approach includes not the academic history only, but also the language and the culture of the student.
FutureLift’s online platform, which was launched in June 2024, added support for multi-language counselling features enabling students to receive career guidance in the language of their choice. This has further increased the effectiveness of FutureLift’s services available to all Indian students. In addition, by adding a multi-language support capability to its platform, FutureLift further improved the accessibility of the platform in such a way that no student is disadvantaged due to language. For a student who speaks Hindi or Tamil or even Bengali and other regional languages for that matter, they can still find good career services on FutureLift's platform.
Multi-lingual counselling in today's world is not an added feature, but rather a necessity. In India for instance, where language diversity is over the roof, providing career guidance in regional language variations is bound to offer the students from every sociocultural background room for opportunities. The future is bright without a language barrier thanks to platforms like FutureLift which emphasizes every person enjoying their services.
FAQS
- In which ways is multi-lingual counselling significant in career guidance?
It facilitates communication in the language preferred by the students and the job seekers making career guidance more informative
- In which manner does FutureLift encourage multi-lingual counselling?
FutureLift incorporates regional languages in career counselling services via its online platform for the benefit of students all over India
- Who benefits the most from multi-lingual counselling?
Students from villages and other areas who do not speak English or Hindi the most benefit as they can access career guidance in their languages.