Speaking English
Did you know that India has a larger English-literate population than England? And, this huge chunk of individuals wrapped in flesh and blood did not go unnoticed. A new version of English, the Indian English owes its provenance to we, Indians who have popularised it world over. We have also successfully introduced hindi words like raja (king), jungle (forest) in the English vogue. We are acclaimed to be among the best non-native English speakers throughout the world. In fact, the whole BPO industry thrives on this faith entrusted in us by the mighty developed world.
But, have you ever thought why are you speaking English by compulsion or by choice? Neither reason is unworthy but there are instance when we use the language to flaunt our so called well-bred education and power and attempt to hide our weaknesses under it.
Yesterday, I found someone who started blabbering in English after a few drinks, mumbling some order to a waiter (someone who finds it hard to follow English). The person got enraged when asked why did he choose to speak in English? May be he was trying to save his kiddo face under the veil of his competence and fluency in the language of Masters.
You must have observed people shouting abuses at the top of their voice in English. Do they feel the language is more apt to portray the authority and to establish their hegemony? Or is it that English language lends support to their fallacious arguments?
Also people are found to use the language in their attempts to woo the opposite sex. If people think it to be the language of romance, then they seem to have forgotten that Heer-ranjha, soni-Mahiwal were no less immersed in love than Romeo-Juliet. I think it is their lack of confidence which encourages them to use English so that they can at times,conceal their faults under the pretext of linguistic error.
It seems as if though our English masters left us 59 years ago, but we still use their language as the symbol of prominence, power and strength. I am not against the popular usage of the language but rather my attempt is only to question the purpose of its use.
posted by Unknown at 5:59 PM
5 Comments:
@adarsh:
few things ... ram and sita married, did not romance.
I am not against English usage, read the last line I am against using it as a make up kit. I am myself writing in English, am n't I? But, why talk to waiter in English?
Thoughtful blog Modi...
Would like to remind you though that sometimes ppl also use English if they're unable to converse well in their mother tongue or if they're able to converse better in English than in their mother tongue.
I wonder abt ppl who like to flaunt their English coz every other fellow and his parrot speak the language these days. Heck, even domestic dogs understand commands in Angrezi.
Such dogs are really rare and if the language is so prevalent, I am sure intellectuals like u should be worried about preserving the linguistic diversity of this place, our motherland India whom we refer as the better place than heaven (remember janani janambhumisch swaragadapi gariyasi ).
Think sunny, how degraded have our own culture gone when we feel at ease in a foreign language than in our mother tongue, it is good to learn new languages, but really shameful to forget the old ones... it is just like leaving your mother.
Thanks for the praise, adarsh. I agree with ur point. Romance was just an example and you will find most married couples talk in native language while when they are in the pre-nuptial stage, it is mainly english.
hey guys, do not get me wrong ... No prob with english as a language but the motive of using it as a tool to flaunt urself
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