Dr. Sandhyaa Bombay
Even after 79 years of independence, the shadow of English colonization still lingers over India. It is time we reclaim our linguistic heritage and restore pride in our languages. The legacy of colonial rule is not just about phrases like “Your Majesty,” “His Highness,” or “Me Lord.” It runs deeper—shaping thought, identity, and opportunity. Reclaiming our voice is about celebrating the vibrant tapestry of India’s cultures, histories, and traditions, while enriching communication with the unique stories each of us carries.
Linguistic Hybridization
Hinglish—a lively blend of Hindi and English—has become the urban lingua franca. It reflects cultural trends but also highlights the dominance of English, especially as the language of education. Proficiency in English often translates into privilege, access, and opportunity, while those less fluent face systemic disadvantages. This divide perpetuates inequality, with English fluency equated to power and social mobility.
Education
English as the dominant medium of instruction in higher education has widened the gap between the privileged and the marginalized. While it opens doors for some, it closes them for many others who remain excluded simply for not mastering a colonial tongue. The result is a stratified society where status, mobility, and prospects are tied disproportionately to English proficiency.
Media and Entertainment
Bollywood and popular media frequently weave English into dialogue and song, normalizing its dominance and shaping the aspirations of younger generations. While this linguistic blend mirrors globalization, it also subtly sidelines indigenous languages, influencing identity and expression at formative stages of life.
Language Policy
English continues as one of India’s official languages, ensuring access but also overshadowing regional tongues. Both government and business must take responsibility for sustaining local languages—promoting them in education, administration, and commerce. Doing so preserves cultural identity and strengthens grassroots communication.
Globalization
In today’s interconnected world, English has become an almost mandatory passport to success. But the price may be the erosion—or even extinction—of regional languages. If left unchecked, globalization risks creating a monocultural linguistic order, impoverishing the diversity that defines India.
Identity and Expression
Many Indian writers use English to explore themes of colonization, displacement, and identity. Their works capture the struggle to reclaim cultural heritage, while also showing resilience and creativity. This literary expression highlights both the burden of colonial history and the strength of reclaiming narrative power.
Voices Amidst Heritage and Change
English colonialism has profoundly influenced India’s language, culture, and self-perception. Decolonizing English is not about rejection but about reimagining—enriching it with our histories, idioms, and cultural references. By embedding our perspectives into the language, we not only confront prejudices but also ensure our voices are heard authentically in global discourse.
Community and Technology
The decolonization of language must go hand in hand with technology. While English dominates digital spaces, reclaiming our heritage means ensuring technology reflects India’s diversity rather than erasing it. The goal is balance—not rejecting English or progress, but safeguarding regional voices alongside it.
Decolonizing English is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires determination, creativity, and collective will. By celebrating local languages, embedding them in education and technology, and infusing English with our cultural essence, we ensure future generations inherit not just fluency, but identity. Reclaiming our voice is reclaiming who we truly are. (The writer is a former Reader, Bhavan’s New Science College, Narayanguda, Hyderabad)
