The first English Language Teaching (ELT) textbook for Indians in India was published in the 18th century. To be exact, in the year 1797. The title of the book was: "The Tutor". It was written and published by John Miller at Serampore, West Bengal. It was the first book to teach English for those outside Europe. The only known copy of this book is preserved in the library of Calcutta University. See the image of its front page below.
It contained the alphabet, a section on pronunciation, a vocabulary list, a grammar section, practical dialogues (related to riverboat trading), and handwriting practice. A part of the dialogue series is shown in the image below.
Details of the Book
Title: The Tutor
Full title: Tue Tutor, or a New English and Bengalee Work, Well Adapted to Teach the Natives English
Author: John Miller
Publisher: John Miller
Year: 1797
Place: Serampore, West Bengal, India
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