Bilingual Obligations
To quote the dictionary, bilingualism is a gift of knowing and speaking two different languages fluently.
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In recent times, a political outfit from our city of Mumbai became rather famous/infamous for its ‘efforts’ on enforcing and assuring that every inhabitant of the city must become well-versed with the local language. It was one way of proving that he/she is a local. These efforts took on the form of a political propaganda for the party and it resorted to rather violent means, at times, in the enforcement of this ideology. Such an action, inevitably, brought out critics from various corners of our society. While some opposed this abhorrent behaviour of the party, many voiced their distaste for the ideology itself.
Although I do not stand in arms supporting this cause, a recent event has forced me to open up my views and think differently.
The other day I was witness to a bunch of youth entertaining themselves with a pop quiz which involved one questioning the others of their knowledge of the national language. To be honest, I was aghast at their apathy towards Hindi and the amusement they sought in their inability to answer almost every question. I do not wish to be judgemental, but one (obviously) believes what one sees and hears. How can the failure of knowing your national language be taken so lightly? From our early years of primary schooling, we are taught almost every facet of this language. Forget the academic aspect of Hindi, we grow up speaking the language on a day to day basis. Then how can a seemingly intelligent group of teenagers residing in Mumbai be unable to comprehend and explain some of the most commonly known words of the language we have spoken practically all our lives?
There is a reason why Hindi is our national language. It is the one language which is spoken, nurtured and cultured in every region of this diverse country. Although, I do agree that there is many a place in our multilingual country where Hindi doesn’t get its due. But in a city like Mumbai, which is considered to be the epitome of (or on the brink of) globalization for us Indians, not knowing Hindi is almost at par as not being Indian! I know this statement might seem a little extreme, but then again, Hindi is an integral part of our Indianness. For at any given time or place, the fact that a person speaks, writes and (more importantly) understands Hindi gives him/her a very distinct Indian flavour. Probably, this is something we have enjoyed all our lives without realizing its true value. Is the exposure to and encouragement in English having damaging effects on the newer generations? I would like to disagree with this. I consider myself to be rather proficiently versed with the English language, and still I acknowledge that Hindi comes to my tongue much more rapidly than the language I have spoken at home all my life. I also know that there are many like me out there. But the fact of the matter remains, there are some distinct parts of our society which are aloof and indifferent towards Hindi - and so, our Indianness.
As I retrospect about those from our city and country who are obsessed with becoming the global citizen, I cannot help but question my kin by motherland – How can you become a Global Citizen without being an Indian first?
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In recent times, a political outfit from our city of Mumbai became rather famous/infamous for its ‘efforts’ on enforcing and assuring that every inhabitant of the city must become well-versed with the local language. It was one way of proving that he/she is a local. These efforts took on the form of a political propaganda for the party and it resorted to rather violent means, at times, in the enforcement of this ideology. Such an action, inevitably, brought out critics from various corners of our society. While some opposed this abhorrent behaviour of the party, many voiced their distaste for the ideology itself.
Although I do not stand in arms supporting this cause, a recent event has forced me to open up my views and think differently.
The other day I was witness to a bunch of youth entertaining themselves with a pop quiz which involved one questioning the others of their knowledge of the national language. To be honest, I was aghast at their apathy towards Hindi and the amusement they sought in their inability to answer almost every question. I do not wish to be judgemental, but one (obviously) believes what one sees and hears. How can the failure of knowing your national language be taken so lightly? From our early years of primary schooling, we are taught almost every facet of this language. Forget the academic aspect of Hindi, we grow up speaking the language on a day to day basis. Then how can a seemingly intelligent group of teenagers residing in Mumbai be unable to comprehend and explain some of the most commonly known words of the language we have spoken practically all our lives?
There is a reason why Hindi is our national language. It is the one language which is spoken, nurtured and cultured in every region of this diverse country. Although, I do agree that there is many a place in our multilingual country where Hindi doesn’t get its due. But in a city like Mumbai, which is considered to be the epitome of (or on the brink of) globalization for us Indians, not knowing Hindi is almost at par as not being Indian! I know this statement might seem a little extreme, but then again, Hindi is an integral part of our Indianness. For at any given time or place, the fact that a person speaks, writes and (more importantly) understands Hindi gives him/her a very distinct Indian flavour. Probably, this is something we have enjoyed all our lives without realizing its true value. Is the exposure to and encouragement in English having damaging effects on the newer generations? I would like to disagree with this. I consider myself to be rather proficiently versed with the English language, and still I acknowledge that Hindi comes to my tongue much more rapidly than the language I have spoken at home all my life. I also know that there are many like me out there. But the fact of the matter remains, there are some distinct parts of our society which are aloof and indifferent towards Hindi - and so, our Indianness.
As I retrospect about those from our city and country who are obsessed with becoming the global citizen, I cannot help but question my kin by motherland – How can you become a Global Citizen without being an Indian first?
Hindi is actually not the national language of India. It's the official language.However even in the south it seems rather odd when youngsters prefer to speak in the English rAther than the local language. A cousin told me that's got to do more with showing attitude and showing off...don't know since when that became a factor - sajiv
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