There are many questions regarding journalism and its technicalities, but one especially stuck to me: “Is language a prerequisite of journalism?”

The simplest answer is, yes. Language is a prerequisite in journalism. How else would you, as a journalist, be able to communicate without being familiar with the language used?

And if I were asked to elaborate further, I’d say: mastery of a language is indeed required in journalism. However, the simpler it is on paper, the better.

Language of journalism

As a journalist, you must speak and write in the publication’s chosen language. For example, if the publication were an English-medium paper, you’d obviously have to write and publish your articles in English.

Knowing proper grammar usage, familiarizing yourself with the basic linguistic principles—these are all expected of you as a journalist. Yet, at the same time, you must also have the eloquence to simplify your write-ups for the general audience. Make it appear artfully presentable and yet understandable.

Many get into journalism, especially campus journalism, thinking they don't need to be a master at the language to excel. To a certain extent, they’re right. Though at the very least, knowing your basic grammar, capitalization, punctuation and sentence composition should be enough to consider you a “master”.

You don't need to have the vocabulary of a 500-page dictionary, and certainly not the artistic articulacy of a Van Gogh painting. But please, please, know your nouns and pronouns. Capitalize names, place a comma or, if you've run out of words, a period—the top-of-the-iceberg kind of basics.

The art of literacy

Anyone can read or write but not everyone can be a writer. Writing is a skill, a hard-earned talent that requires creativity and fluency. Although with time, it can improve and develop, it—as said—takes time.

More than that, it requires dedication, passion. You can't get into journalism—or writing in general—without the passion to truly write. It's a form of communication; it can, for better or for worse, either make or break worlds.

It plays a major role in journalism in such that it’s what binds the entire paper together. It connects the writers with the readers.

So, undeniably, proper usage of it is, in fact, a prerequisite. And although this doesn't mean you have to be the best at it, being at least knowledgeable enough with the surface-level basics is a need.

Moreover, you should always consider third-party feedback—most times, they might have many additional insights on your articles and can point out your own mistakes better than yourself. Always ask for help from your peers or professionals if you struggle with composition, structure, or any other issue in your works. Don't be afraid; how else would you grow as a writer? 

How can you convey the message you wish to communicate in your articles if you can't even properly compose a single sentence? Do you truly expect to get far in the world of writing if you believe mastering the art of language is just a side-skill? And on the other hand, do you really think being stuck at surface-level is enough?  

However, if it's any consolation, you can learn language anytime. That's why it plays a major role in journalism: despite it taking many forms and shapes and degrees, it’s universal.