The Evolution of Indian English

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Indian English (IE) is a distinct form of English shaped by India's linguistic diversity and colonial history. It includes unique vocabulary, idioms, and phonology, influenced by local languages and cultural practices. With over 125 million speakers, Indian English serves as a lingua franca across the nation, reflecting a blend of British English and regional nuances. This variant is characterized by its non-standardized form, extensive use of the progressive aspect, and 'Indianisms' that contribute to its identity.

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Approximately ______ million people in India, which is about 10% of the population, speak English as a second or third language.

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Roots of Indian English

Derived from British English, adapted in India post-colonial era.

Standardization of Indian English

Lacks uniform standards, varies by region, influenced by local dialects.

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English in India: A Colonial Legacy

The history of English in India is inextricably linked to British colonialism, with the British East India Company's arrival in 1600 marking the language's introduction. The Company, which became a dominant commercial and political force, made English the official language in 1835, supplanting Persian. This move was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power through education and administration. Following India's independence, English retained its official status, coexisting with Hindi and other regional languages, underscoring its deep-rooted presence in Indian society.

Vocabulary and Loanwords in Indian English

Indian English is enriched by a distinctive lexicon that includes words borrowed from British English, as well as original terms coined by the Anglo-Indian community. For instance, 'chappals' is used for flip-flops or sandals, 'brinjal' for eggplant, and 'prepone' is an indigenous coinage meaning to move an appointment to an earlier time. English, in turn, has borrowed words from Indian languages, such as 'shampoo' from Hindi 'chāmpo,' 'jungle' from Hindi 'jangal,' and 'bungalow' from Gujarati 'bānglo,' reflecting the linguistic exchange between English and Indian languages.

Indian English Expressions and Linguistic Identity

Indian English is characterized by "Indianisms," which are expressions unique to this variety of English. Examples include "cousin-brother/sister" to refer to male or female cousins, or "do the needful," meaning to take the necessary action. These expressions contribute to the distinct linguistic identity of Indian English speakers. While some may consider these phrases incorrect, others recognize them as legitimate elements of the language, illustrating the dynamic nature of Indian English and the broader debate between prescriptive and descriptive linguistics.

Phonological Traits of Indian English

The Indian English accent is distinguished by several phonological features that differentiate it from other English accents, such as Received Pronunciation (RP). Indian English is predominantly non-rhotic, with the exception of some southern Indian accents, and it often replaces diphthongs with long vowel sounds. Plosive consonants are typically unaspirated, and the 'th' sounds are frequently substituted with aspirated 't' sounds. The influence of the phonetic systems of Indian languages is also evident in the unique pronunciation of certain English words by Indian speakers.

The Use of the Progressive Aspect in Indian English

Indian English grammar is marked by the extensive use of the progressive or continuous aspect, including with stative verbs that are not commonly used in the continuous form in Standard British English. This feature may be attributed to a variety of factors, such as the influence of educational practices, historical linguistic developments, and the direct translation of grammatical structures from Indian languages, including Tamil and Hindi, which often use the continuous aspect.

Indian English Versus British English

Although Indian English has its foundations in British English, it has evolved to exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. These differences are particularly noticeable in colloquial speech, where Indian English expressions can vary significantly from their British English equivalents. Recognizing these variations is essential for acknowledging the uniqueness of Indian English as a legitimate and dynamic variant of the English language.

The Evolution of Indian English

Concept Map

Summary

Outline

The Evolution of Indian English

Introduction of English in India

British East India Company

Official Language

Lingua Franca

Characteristics of Indian English

Vocabulary

Pronunciation

Grammar

Indianisms in Indian English

Unique expressions

Debate between prescriptive and descriptive linguistics

Colloquial speech

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