With such a diverse culture that exists in India, which is so beautiful, we also have a lot of spoken languages. While the total number of languages that are spoken in our country are enlisted as twenty-two, Hindi and English remain the official languages. It was Hindi that was stated as the only official language originally until the amendments in the constitution introduced the usage of English, which is thus continuing till date as the second official language. But despite the stated facts, we have our own sentiments for languages which run separately in each one of us. From the debates on which language should be the National language of the country to the mandatory use of a regional language if someone from one state stays in another, we can go on and on about this topic. Keeping the regional languages aside while some of us are pro-Hindi with all our heart and soul, the rest remain pro-English in terms of speaking and of course in terms of being grammatically correct all the time.
There is a subtle divide that always runs amongst people with respect to which language they speak. The pro-English types claim that English is not just one of the official languages but also the Global language and it should be mastered with all the grammar and pronunciation right. The pro-Hindi types make it certain to minimize the usage of English language because they firmly believe that Hindi represents the country and usage of English denotes getting influenced by the west! And the pro-regional ones can go on endlessly about how both the above are wrong. But why do we forget that no matter what we speak and how we speak any language is just a mode of communication!
One of the beauties of the human race is the ability to form words. Depending on which area and culture we belonged to different languages took birth and are now a part of us. Imagine a newborn child, who is absolutely unaware of any words at all, isn’t it fascinating to see how words start forming meaning for him. It doesn’t matter which language are those words from, and how they are pronounced. All that matters is that the point is conveyed. Why do we forget that when we get older? Speaking English fluently and with all the precision may be a trait of someone, but does that mean getting picky and pointing out all the time on the ones who may not be so fluent? The Love for Hindi and the usage of pure and accurate Hindi language may be a trait of someone else, but isn’t it unfair to point out the English lovers as westernized. In both the above situations it’s highly appreciable to be perfect and flawless in either of the languages, but more admirable would be to help others gain that perfection too, instead of questioning, commenting or pointing fingers at their imperfections. Similarly, if someone from an outside state is unaware of a regional language, then wouldn’t it be easier if the conversation is made in a common language for both, giving respect to the whatsoever the native language may be. And well if someone can pick up talking in the regional language then nothing like it!
Every language is unique in its own way and instead of pouring our sentiments on the love of one or the other language our focus should be on the more important part which is communication. At the end of it all, what matters more is to talk, resolve and stay connected. The beauty lies in appreciating the diversity that exists around us rather than debating it. We are fortunate to be a part of the human race which can think, talk and express. Let us use this capability of ours to the best of our ability and spread more harmony and love which should be irrespective of whether it’s spread in Hindi, English or maybe a regional language. In the language of Love and harmony, there is no need to debate over languages at all because they are all different and yet the same.
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