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Growth and Status of English Language in India
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Overview of history of English Language
Critical analysis of A Passage to India
Character sketch of Kurtz of Heart of Darkness
The growth and status of English language in India is directly correlated with the growth of imperialism in the country. It is well known to everyone the arrival of East India Company in India and how the trade changed to conquest. The language of trade essentially meant the influx of certain Indian words into the English vocabulary and vice-versa for effective communication between two trading communities. However, the language got engulfed in different work- of spreading missionary work and proselytization.
It was only by the Charter Act of 1813, the Company
became responsible for the education of the Indians. The early attempts of
teaching English language were overshadowed by political compulsions. Macaulay’s
Minutes of 1835 clearly supported the western education in India through
the medium of English. Despite protests from the Orientalists William Bentinck
accepted this proposal and directed funds for imparting knowledge of
English literature and Science in English language. Later many more minutes,
despatches and commissions like- Lord Auckland’s Minutes of 1839, Wood’s
Despatch of 1854 and Hunter Commission of 1882 suggested various
changes to make English language a permanent feature of instruction in Indian
education.
Slowly and gradually colleges and universities were
established. The importance of English language was rising with the increase of
educational institutions. By the early twentieth century English language was
formally established as the official language of India. As the nationalist
movement gained strength, an anti-English feeling emerged. Surprisingly, the
movement was divided over the question of English language in the country. Though
regional languages dominated English language in Secondary schools; the latter
stood firm in its position in Universities.
With the British leaving India in 1947, the English language
passed through the same stages of development in the country as in colonised
days. The Government of India Act 1935 was replaced by the Constitution
of India 1950. Now, the problem was to choose a national language that
would serve as a symbol of national integration, yet retain English language
for various needs. This language issue gave rise to diverse controversies. The
Indian Constitution of 1950 hence stipulated Hindi in the Devnagri script as
the national and official language; whereas English was to be a transitional
language until 1965.
In 1956 the Academy of Tamil Culture objected Hindi as
the official language on the ground that it is unfamiliar language to the
people of Southern region of India. The All
India Language Conference demanded the continuance of English without any
time frame in 1958. The agitations against Hindi language continued through
1960s. Owing to such disturbances, the English language came to be recognized constitutionally as the Associate National Official Language and as
inter-regional; link language. Since then, the importance of English continued
to rise unhindered and is still progressing forth.
Today, English has a powerful impact on Indians. It is an
essential component of formal education and preferred medium of learning in
professional and technical education. English language is the primary
requirement in administration, judiciary and for job opportunities in
multinational companies. It continues to be the language of commerce, industry
and banking sector. Socially, also it is recognized and upheld as a language of
power and prestige. Curiosity to express themselves in an efficient way and get
connected with the outside world gave rise to special field in literature known
as Indian English Literature. Besides, the language also became a medium
to popularise Indian art culture throughout the world.
In the present day, English language occupies a relatively
strong position among the languages spoken read and written in India. However,
it has gone through a long and difficult journey since the time it was
introduced. The language is completely decolonised and is given a national
colour of Indianism. The distinct socio-cultural parameters with which English
has been used in India like- pronunciation, tone, structure, accent etc,
therefore, has given rise to a distinct variety called Indian English
which is different from those countries where it is the first language.
Moreover, it is the Code-Mixing with English and the Code-Switching that is
gaining new heights by cutting language boundaries. This is being widely
accepted and is helping more to nativise the English language.
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