India is the second largest country in the world, concerning the number of inhabitants. 1.2 billion people are living on an area about 10 times larger than Germany. The country has a long, sometimes violent history with many ups and downs and many different ethnic groups trying to conquer the country.
Right now, it has the status of a so called take-off country and is considered to become one of the most leading nations in the world, economically as well as politically, in near future. But even though the country is on the road to a better future, there are still many problems that have to be solved. Of course there are problems like poverty, environmental issues and so on.
But one problem in India is the fact that the country itself is not unified, many different ethnic groups are living there and over 500 different languages are spoken. One of the many languages spoken is English. Almost every Indian gets in contact with English at one point of his live. It is the medium of instruction in most of the schools as well in universities. And in order to get an occupation, for example in the civil service in India, one has to master English, alongside with Hindi and another regional language as well. Over the last 200 years, it has been established as a lingua franca in India, a language that unites a country where 500 different languages are spoken. But how important is English in India, and what is its history and status?
Also it has to considered, whether Indian English has become an own variety of English. It is, as mentioned, being used and spoken in India for over two centuries now and certain features, in written as well as in spoken language, developed in the course of time. Some of them are obvious to the native speaker, others not. Some might even sound or look rather comical to someone not familiar with the features of this variety. But what are those features and by whom are they used?
Another question that also arises is how, where and by whom English is used. Is it a language of the common people, the poor classes, or is it a language used only by a small group of people and who might those people be?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The history of the English language in India
2.1 The history until 1947
2.2 The history of English in India after 1947
2.2.1 Language policy in the Constitution
2.2.2 The language policies after 1950
2.2.3 English in education
2.2.4 Current language situation
3. Features of Indian English
3.1. Phonology
3.2 Grammatical, syntax and lexical features
3.2.1 Grammatical and syntax features
3.2.2 Lexical features
4. Examples
4.1 Newspaper Article
4.2 A letter
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper examines the historical development and current status of the English language within the unique socio-linguistic landscape of India, investigating whether it has evolved into a distinct regional variety.
- Historical evolution of English in India from colonial times to the present.
- Linguistic analysis of Indian English, focusing on phonology, grammar, and syntax.
- Lexical adaptations and the influence of local languages on Indian English.
- Societal functions of English as a lingua franca and its role in education and employment.
- Examination of specific real-world examples, including newspaper articles and historical correspondence.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.2 Lexical features
Indian English also contains many lexical items taken from the Indian languages. One feature is the borrowing of words from Indian languages, particularly Hindi and Urdu, and using them in an English environment (cf. C: 1998, 17). Single items “vary in their frequency of occurrence.” (Kachru: 1983, 362) They usually depend on the register and are almost all the time used in a South-Asian or Indian context and do not aim at an international audience. But if using them towards an international audience, the context might get lost for a person not familiar with Indian English (cf. Kachru: 1983, 362,363).
Another type of using borrowings is to combine them together with an English word. Those “hybridized” phrases or compounds contain at least one Indian item and are also usually used to refer to an Indian concept where there is no English word that would describe these words or concepts properly. Examples would be lathi charge (when someone gets beaten with an iron rod by the police) or tiffin carriers (people delivering meals to offices and schools) (cf. Kachru: 1983, 363). In addition, some borrowed words are “combined with typical English suffixes”. (Kachru: 1983, 363) Those hybrid words are “for example lakhier (a person who has more than 100,000 rupees) [or] […] Vaishnavite (ardent worshipper of the Lord Vishnu)” (C: 1998, 17). Sometimes also Indian suffixes are used with English words, e.g. policewalla (cf. Kachru: 1983, 363).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the demographic context of India and sets the stage for the research by questioning the status and historical development of Indian English.
2. The history of the English language in India: Details the chronological spread of English, from initial colonial contacts and educational mandates to post-independence constitutional debates and current institutional roles.
3. Features of Indian English: Analyzes the distinct linguistic characteristics of the variety, covering phonological, grammatical, and syntactic deviations from standard English.
4. Examples: Provides practical analysis of authentic texts, specifically a newspaper article and a historical letter, to illustrate the identified linguistic features.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes how English has established itself as an essential but elite-oriented lingua franca that serves to unite India linguistically despite its inherent challenges.
Keywords
Indian English, Lingua Franca, Language Policy, Colonial History, Syntax, Phonology, Lexical Features, Standardization, Hybridization, Education System, Official Language, Post-colonialism, Linguistic Diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the history, linguistic features, and usage of the English language in India, exploring how it has adapted and solidified its position within a multilingual society.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The central themes include the historical timeline of English in India, constitutional language policies, educational practices, and the structural linguistic analysis of Indian English.
What is the core research question?
The research asks how English has evolved into a unique variety in India and what role it plays in a country defined by massive linguistic and cultural diversity.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes historical review and comparative linguistic analysis, examining existing literature alongside selected text examples to identify deviations from standard English.
What topics are discussed in the main section?
The main section covers the four stages of English integration, the impact of the Indian Constitution, the educational hierarchy, and specific phonological and syntactic features typical of Indian English.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Indian English, language policy, linguistic diversity, post-colonial influence, and lingua franca status.
How does the author define the "three language formula"?
It is presented as a late 1960s policy solution requiring the study of three languages: the regional language, Hindi, and English, designed to balance regional needs with national integration.
What does the analysis of the letter by "Okhil Babu" reveal?
The analysis of this historical letter serves as a case study for "typical" Indian English errors, specifically highlighting over-politeness and tense usage deviations.
Why is English considered an "elitist" language in India?
The author argues that because English is the gateway to higher education and prestigious occupations, it remains primarily accessible to those who can afford specialized schooling, leaving poorer classes at a disadvantage.
- Citation du texte
- Heinrich Mario Nink (Auteur), 2008, English in India, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/116087
