By Harshmeet Singh
In Indian society, proficiency in English is considered a prerequisite for being cultured and well educated. We ourselves, perhaps, have played the biggest role in undermining our indigenous languages by taking to English with a desire to mingle with the supposedly superior western world.
A number of factors are currently responsible for ensuring that revival of indigenous languages remains a complex task. NewsGram brings you some of them.
- Our immense love for English medium schools
Schools using indigenous languages as the medium of instruction are looked down upon by society. Even the poor villagers are ready to spend their precious savings just to ensure that their child gets an ‘English education,’ because apparently that’s what will secure a good future for them! This is a classic example of culture degeneration.
- Lack of literature in Indian languages
There have been widespread demands for the introduction of higher education in indigenous languages on a wider scale. While a number of stakeholders agree to these demands, lack of credible literature in indigenous languages is a major roadblock in this aspect. And unfortunately, the government doesn’t seem to be doing anything in this regard.
- 10% Anglophone master ruling over 90% Indians
The Anglophonic ruling class, well versed in English, makes the national policies for the rest of the 90% Indians, without taking into cognizance their comfort levels and their needs. Until this equation changes, there is little hope for the revival of indigenous languages in the country.
- Our blind affection for anything ‘western’
We started wearing skinny jeans because the western nations kicked off the trend, without realizing that it serves their purpose at 10 degrees temperature while we have to endure rashes on our skin for aping this fashion sense in 40 degrees temperature. This is why ‘O God!’ seems more fashionable than ‘Arre bhagwaan!’
- English as a common language is acceptable, but not Hindi
South Indian states’ dislike for the Hindi language is no secret. The official language of the courts has been kept English due to this reason only. It is amusing that these states prefer using a foreign language as the common medium over an Indian language.
- Because the government doesn’t seem to care enough
In October, when Modi and Merkel met during the latter’s visit to India, it was decided that German will be taught in Kendriya Vidyalayas as an additional foreign language. In return, Indian languages will be taught in Germany. But which Indian language from the thousands prevalent in the country, no one knew! And there was no further clarification on this from the Government.
- Because we consider English as a prerequisite for jobs which don’t need English
Why should an Indian working in an Indian restaurant take orders from an Indian guest in English? Apparently because conversing in English makes us feel more cultured and sophisticated?
- Because we think that speaking in Indian languages won’t get us a job in multinationals coming to India
Multinational companies launching their offices in countries like Germany and France are bound to hire people with proficiency and German and French respectively and alter their operations accordingly. But when they come to India, they know that they will easily find English speaking staff and hence, English continues its dominance in India.