About 1.25 billion people are living in India and Pakistan today which is about 18% of the world´s population, whereas the Indian subcontinent only makes about 3% of the available Landmass of our planet. (cf. Stang, 2002, 80 ff.) The Indian Government has enormous problems concerning administration, not only because of the size of the country and the mass of people living in India, but also because of the amount of different dialects, varieties and languages. The Indian Government states that there are 18 officially acknowledged languages in India. An overview of the language Situation can be seen on chart I in the appendix. The constitution though is written in English, which does not occur in that enumeration, not even in the table of the other 96 non scheduled languages of the Indian Census 1991. “cf. www.languageinindia.com/nov2001/1991Languages.html (March 25, 2008)” The language of the former colonizer, English, is the only common language to the different groups in India and therefore an important tool concerning administration, court, trade and daily life. Almost the same situation can be observed in Pakistan, where the dispute about languages in 1971 even led to a civil war and the foundation of Bangladesh. “cf. www.bpb.de/themen/4OJUFG,0,Die_Teilung_BritischIndiens_1947.html (March 22, 2008)“
The focus of that work will therefore be on the development and state just as on the analysis of syntax and morphology of the English language in India and Pakistan. My research will largely be based on the works of as Raja Ram Mehrotra, Baraj B. Kachru, R.K. Agnihotria and A.L. Khanna, as well as Benrd Kotmann and Robert J. Baumgardner.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. History and development of the English language in India and Pakistan
- 2.1. English before and during colonialism
- 2.2. English in India after the Independence
- 2.3. English in India in the present
- 2.4. The Future of the English language in India
- 2.5. The linguistic situation in newly created Pakistan
- 3. Indian English
- 3.1. Morphology, lexis and syntax
- 3.2. Phonology
- 4. Pakistani English
- 4.1. Morphology, lexis and syntax
- 4.2. Phonology
- 5. Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to analyze the development and current state of the English language in India and Pakistan. It focuses on the historical context of English's introduction and spread, its role in administration and education, and an examination of its morphological, lexical, and phonological features in both countries.
- The historical development of English in India and Pakistan
- The impact of colonialism on the spread of English
- The linguistic landscape of India and Pakistan and the role of English
- The morphology, lexis, and syntax of Indian and Pakistani English
- The phonology of Indian and Pakistani English
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the demographic significance of India and Pakistan, emphasizing the vast linguistic diversity within these nations and the crucial role of English as a lingua franca in administration, legal proceedings, commerce, and everyday life. It underscores the challenges posed by this linguistic complexity for governance and communication, using the example of Pakistan's 1971 civil war as a consequence of language disputes. The chapter establishes the scope of the study, focusing on the history, current status, and linguistic analysis of English in these regions.
2. History and development of the English language in India and Pakistan: This chapter details the historical trajectory of English in India and Pakistan, dividing it into three distinct periods. The first period (1579-1834) traces the arrival of English with early traders, its spread through the East India Company, its role in military contexts and Christianization efforts, and its increasing adoption as a tool for accessing Western knowledge. The second period (1834-1947) highlights Macaulay's influential statement advocating for Indians educated in English, leading to its adoption as the official language and the emergence of distinct varieties of Indian English (Sahib, Babu, and Butler English). The third period (post-1947) examines the changes after independence, including the decrease in English's influence amongst the general population, its continued importance in administration and higher education, and the introduction of a three-language policy in schools.
3. Indian English: This chapter provides a detailed linguistic analysis of Indian English, focusing on its unique morphological, lexical, and syntactic features. It explores the ways in which Indian English deviates from standard British English, examining the influence of various regional languages and dialects on its development. The chapter also delves into the phonological aspects of Indian English, analyzing pronunciation patterns and variations across different regions and social groups. It aims to present a comprehensive picture of the linguistic characteristics that define Indian English, highlighting its rich diversity and unique identity.
4. Pakistani English: This chapter mirrors the structure of Chapter 3, but focuses specifically on Pakistani English. It presents a detailed analysis of the morphological, lexical, and syntactic features of this variety, comparing and contrasting it with Indian English and standard British English. The chapter also examines the unique phonological characteristics of Pakistani English, noting variations in pronunciation and intonation patterns. The analysis highlights how historical and sociolinguistic factors shaped the development of Pakistani English, creating a distinct linguistic identity.
Keywords
Indian English, Pakistani English, Colonialism, Language contact, Linguistic variation, Morphology, Syntax, Phonology, Lexis, Lingua franca, Postcolonial studies, South Asia
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of English in India and Pakistan
What is the overall focus of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of the English language in India and Pakistan. It examines the historical development, current status, and linguistic features of English in both countries, considering its role as a lingua franca and its interaction with other languages.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a detailed history of English in India and Pakistan, a section dedicated to Indian English (including morphology, lexis, syntax, and phonology), a similar section on Pakistani English, and a concluding summary.
What are the main objectives and key themes explored?
The primary objective is to analyze the development and current state of English in India and Pakistan. Key themes include the historical context of English's introduction and spread, its role in administration and education, and a detailed examination of its morphological, lexical, and phonological features in both countries. The impact of colonialism and the resulting linguistic landscape are also central themes.
What is covered in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each section. The introduction establishes the context of linguistic diversity and English's role. The historical chapter details the development of English across three periods: pre-1834, 1834-1947, and post-1947. Chapters on Indian and Pakistani English offer detailed linguistic analyses, focusing on morphology, lexis, syntax, and phonology, highlighting the unique features of each variety.
What are the key periods in the history of English in India and Pakistan, as discussed in the preview?
The preview divides the history into three periods: (1) 1579-1834, covering early trade, the East India Company's influence, and the spread of English; (2) 1834-1947, emphasizing Macaulay's statement and the emergence of distinct Indian English varieties; and (3) post-1947, focusing on the changes after independence, including the three-language policy in schools.
What linguistic aspects of Indian and Pakistani English are analyzed?
The analysis covers morphology (word formation), lexis (vocabulary), syntax (sentence structure), and phonology (sound systems) of both Indian and Pakistani English, comparing and contrasting them with standard British English and highlighting their unique features shaped by historical and sociolinguistic factors.
What are the key words associated with this language preview?
Key words include Indian English, Pakistani English, colonialism, language contact, linguistic variation, morphology, syntax, phonology, lexis, lingua franca, postcolonial studies, and South Asia.
What is the significance of English as a lingua franca in India and Pakistan?
The preview highlights the crucial role of English as a lingua franca in administration, legal proceedings, commerce, and everyday life in both countries, despite the vast linguistic diversity. The challenges posed by this linguistic complexity for governance and communication are also discussed.
How does this preview compare Indian and Pakistani English?
The preview provides separate, detailed analyses of Indian and Pakistani English, comparing and contrasting their morphological, lexical, syntactic, and phonological features. It explores how historical and sociolinguistic factors have shaped the unique linguistic identities of each variety.
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- Martin Steger (Author), 2008, English in India and Pakistan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/201147
