Hindi in the world: In the era of cultural-flattening, India must strengthen its linguistic traditions

Source– The post is based on the article “Hindi in the world: In the era of cultural-flattening, India must strengthen its linguistic traditions” published in The Indian Express on 15th February 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Indian culture

Relevance– Issues related to languages

News– Fiji is hosting the 12th World Hindi Conference between February 15 and 17.

What is the status of Hindi in the UN?

India has achieved limited progress at the United Nations regarding Hindi. The UN has now made a provision to provide all the important messages and press releases in Hindi.

However, the government is making all efforts to ensure a rightful place for Hindi at the UN.

What are the challenges before Hindi and other other languages?

Speaking in Hindi or regional languages is considered inferior in India, due to the burden of colonialism. The ability to converse in English has become a status symbol.

Some politicians indulge in linguistic chauvinism. But, the family members of such politicians are schooled in English medium.

How can Indian languages have a global presence?

Indian languages need to be first respected in their motherland.

Every language keeps evolving. No language can continue to grow without accommodating some more meaningful terms from sister languages. However, there should not be mindless adulterations.

Hindi needs to be saved from the onslaught of English and other Indian languages from English and Hindi. Hindi-speaking people should ensure respect and recognition for all other Indian languages. Usage is the lifeblood of any language.

There is a need for hand-holding between Indian languages. Quality translations from Indian languages to other Indian and world languages are necessary. It is time to evolve a mechanism for translating award-winning literary works in Indian languages into all UN languages.

Engineering and medical education in Hindi is now a reality. If other Indian languages follow suit, they could evolve as languages of the knowledge era. New concepts, new technologies and new knowledge-creation demand new coinages and new terms.

In a globalised world, Hindi also needs to engage with other foreign languages, especially in the neighbourhood.

Understanding our very own cultural moorings, taking legitimate pride in our history and our heritage is the prerequisite for the sustenance of languages. In that sense, Hindi and other Indian languages have to further strengthen their roots and then expand their horizons.