The influence of English in India
India is the second-largest English-speaking country in the world. English is also an official language in India apart from Hindi. The British introduced English to Indians a century back when they ruled the country. Today, parents in India want their children to speak English fluently and they see that as pride. Since India is an ethnically diverse country with so many regional languages, English became a common language to connect people.
The entry of English in India was not only beneficial for Indians to develop their knowledge about the outside world but also helped the British understand the culture and thought process of an Indian and his family. Learning English was also the reason the Indians were able to get independence from the many decades of British rule.
Majority of the school and college students today in India learn the entire syllabus through English with a few exceptions. You get well-paid jobs in India if you speak fluent English.
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. English first evolved in Britain and especially in England which is the birthplace of Shakespeare. According to Wiki, English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England. Modern English spread far and wide since the 17th century due to the influence of the British and the United States, the latter becoming the superpower. It is the most widely spoken and written language in the 21st century.
The British have also made some changes in the language due to American English dominating in the media and throughout the world and also because the US is the Superpower.
Four-year-olds’ curriculum surely includes English along with the regional language in India. There is this Indian movie named English Vinglish where the heroine in the movie tries to take up an English language course to gain recognition from her family who treats her with disrespect. She finally clears the course and all is well that ends well in the story.
India, one of the youngest nations in the world, has gained more than lost with the knowledge of this language in Science and Technology, Trade and Commerce, Banking domain and various other fields. The language along with their skills had placed them in foreign countries with good income and a luxurious life.
English Writers evolved over a period of time in India which gained them popularity and recognition in the world.
As much as Indians love English (Me included 😀) and love to show off a bit with their language skills, they have not entirely forgotten their native language’s history and importance. They have just accepted English as their second native tongue. It went into people’s hearts but it did not take away their culture and their native language though.
In whatever way English entered the country it certainly gave more than it took. It paved the way for the country’s growth and development. So let’s just say without English getting into India, Hollywood wouldn’t have got a Priyanka Chopra, Mahatma Gandhiji's principles wouldn’t have enlightened the world. So, All is well that ends well! 😉
The entry of English in India was not only beneficial for Indians to develop their knowledge about the outside world but also helped the British understand the culture and thought process of an Indian and his family. Learning English was also the reason the Indians were able to get independence from the many decades of British rule.
Majority of the school and college students today in India learn the entire syllabus through English with a few exceptions. You get well-paid jobs in India if you speak fluent English.
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. English first evolved in Britain and especially in England which is the birthplace of Shakespeare. According to Wiki, English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England. Modern English spread far and wide since the 17th century due to the influence of the British and the United States, the latter becoming the superpower. It is the most widely spoken and written language in the 21st century.
The British have also made some changes in the language due to American English dominating in the media and throughout the world and also because the US is the Superpower.
Four-year-olds’ curriculum surely includes English along with the regional language in India. There is this Indian movie named English Vinglish where the heroine in the movie tries to take up an English language course to gain recognition from her family who treats her with disrespect. She finally clears the course and all is well that ends well in the story.
India, one of the youngest nations in the world, has gained more than lost with the knowledge of this language in Science and Technology, Trade and Commerce, Banking domain and various other fields. The language along with their skills had placed them in foreign countries with good income and a luxurious life.
English Writers evolved over a period of time in India which gained them popularity and recognition in the world.
As much as Indians love English (Me included 😀) and love to show off a bit with their language skills, they have not entirely forgotten their native language’s history and importance. They have just accepted English as their second native tongue. It went into people’s hearts but it did not take away their culture and their native language though.
In whatever way English entered the country it certainly gave more than it took. It paved the way for the country’s growth and development. So let’s just say without English getting into India, Hollywood wouldn’t have got a Priyanka Chopra, Mahatma Gandhiji's principles wouldn’t have enlightened the world. So, All is well that ends well! 😉
I agree and convinced that English plays a vital role in individual and countries economic growth. However still many young generations from rural places possess lot of knowledge but bcoz of limitations in English they are sidelined to grab bigger opportunities. It will be nice if you can lay some ideas to promote English in rural 🇮🇳
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point! Promoting English in rural villages in India has to start from school education, especially from the Government. But yes I can write more on that. Thanks for your suggestion!
ReplyDelete