Write a critical note on “Indianness” in Indian English. Give relevant examples
Indian English is a variety of the English language that has developed in India. While it follows the basic rules of Standard English, it also has its own unique style, vocabulary, and expressions that reflect Indian culture and life. This special character is known as “Indianness.” When we talk about Indianness in Indian English, we mean the influence of Indian thoughts, habits, and languages on the way English is spoken and written in India. Let’s explore what this means and why it matters.
1. Vocabulary Influenced by Indian Languages
Indian English includes many words from Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and others. These words are used every day and often have no exact English equivalent. For example:
- “Guru” – used for a spiritual teacher
- “Ashram” – a place for meditation or spiritual retreat
- “Chai” – tea
- “Namaste” – a respectful greeting
These words show how Indian culture adds its flavor to the English language.
2. Indian Ways of Speaking
Indian English often follows sentence patterns that are influenced by Indian languages. For example, someone may say, “What is your good name?” or “I am having fever,” which would sound unusual to native English speakers but are common in India. These phrases reflect the way Indians think and speak in their mother tongues, which gets transferred to English.
3. Use of Indian Cultural References
Indian English writers and speakers often include references to Indian culture, festivals, food, and traditions. This adds Indianness to their writing and speech. For instance, Indian authors like R. K. Narayan, Arundhati Roy, and Salman Rushdie use local settings, characters, and experiences that are very Indian, even though they write in English. This creates a unique voice that represents Indian life.
4. English for Indian Needs
In India, English is used in a special way to fit local needs. It is used in schools, offices, courts, and the media. But it also includes new words and styles that suit Indian situations. For example, terms like “timepass” (doing something just to kill time), “prepone” (opposite of postpone), and “eve-teasing” (harassment of women in public) are commonly understood in India, even if they are not used globally.
5. Indian English in Literature
Writers use Indian English to express Indian thoughts in a global language. This includes using local expressions, code-switching between English and regional languages, and mixing idioms. For example, in Salman Rushdie’s books, we often see a blend of Hindi and English. This style not only adds Indianness but also shows the rich cultural background of the country.
6. Criticism and Acceptance
Some people have criticized Indian English, saying it is not “proper” English. However, language always changes based on its users. Indian English has now become an accepted variety of English around the world. Universities, newspapers, and authors in India proudly use this version, and many international scholars study it as a separate branch of English.
Conclusion
Indianness in Indian English makes the language lively, rich, and unique. It shows how Indian people have made English their own by mixing it with local culture and traditions. From vocabulary and grammar to stories and poetry, Indian English reflects the spirit of India. It is not just a way of speaking—it is a way of expressing who we are as Indians in a global world. This blend of global language and local identity makes Indian English a valuable and respected form of communication.