M.K.Bhavnagar UniversitySocio-cultural dimensions of English in India

Presented by-: Parmar MilankumarSemester-: ThirdBatch Year:- 2014-16Enrolment no.-: 14101026Paper no.-: 12- ELTEmail id-: parmarmilan1994@gmail.com Submitted to:- Dr. Dilip Barad

Smt. S B Gardi Department of English

Introduction

English is taught as a second language in India. Is it relevant to Indian reality?English is made to full fill the function of the second language English is used creatively and thereby the socio-cultural codes infused in it. We manipulate English for cultural expression, it is possible because it is second language. Social structure and cultural sensitivity of Indian Culture creates a new form of English language.

Difference between second language and foreign languageChristopherson’A Foreign Language A second Language

It is not one’s own It is one’s own

One may have very good knowledge of it Secondary in order of importance, secondary to be learnt

It is used for absorbing the culture of other nation

Alternative way of expressing a culture of one’s own

It produce bilinguals with the passive and receptive attitude

It produce bilinguals with active and creative interest

It remains language of reading and knowing but not of communication

It becomes means of communication in some domains from interaction

It remains passive as it was It used creatively, and exploited

In India Like French, German or Russian In Indian English is second language

How English used in literature

Vocabulary:- many methods are used to transfer the basic vocabulary

in the second language.Words from a speakers’/writers’ native language are

absorbs directly in to second language(English). Words are literally or semantically translated.Three practice used by writers, borrowing with

phonological adaption, lone translation, lone creation. Second language enriched by absorption of the native

wordsThrough repeated use words retain meaning and feeling

• Native words find their way In English because of the non-availability of an equivalent counterpart.

• These word are deep rooted in Indian culture, that they are part of Indian Psyche.

• Sometimes the counter part of word in English does not arise same emotions and feeling, thus we use native word.

Examples:- From 2States by Chetan BhagatCloths:- Sarees, Salvar-Kamiz, Pjama, Lungi, dupatta..Food :- Golgappas, Tandoori chicken, Rumali Roti, Idli and Dhosa, samosa, sambhar, chutney, upma, Dance:- BharatnatyamCeremony:- Sagan(Punjabi Word for Engagement)Kinship Relation:- Mama, Masi, Mausa..(Indian Culture). Uncle:- covers both maternal and paternal division of kinship. Izzat (prestige) Bhaiya..(Brother)

Idioms, Metaphors and similes

Though one is speaking or writing in English(L2), as both are productive skill, they make use of idioms, metaphors, and various figures of speech from native Language. Examples:- from 2States1.“She'll never date you, it is a rasgulla down the drain”(idioms)2. “Thank you, beta. You kept our izzat.”3. Ananya sat pillion in a maroon salwar kameez, using her white dupatta to cover her head and face. She looked like a member of Veerappan’s gang.(188. Simile.)4. It is amazing how people can feel insulted even after being welcomed by elephants.(how Indian writer manipulate language in order to express their feelings)

AcronymsCoining Acronyms is another example of creativity. The name of the organization or an institute becomes acronym by frequently used by speaker/writer. For Example:- 2States1. IIMA(Indian institiute Management

Ahemdabad )2. IIT(Indian Institute of Technology)3. He used IITian for Student Studied at IIT.

Discourse

Discourse patterns are very important when it comes to English. Discourse meanings are depend upon the social and cultural situation. When it is spoken and to whom ?How Language is used to talk to friends, with parents, at business situation, scold children, with family members.

Examples

1.)‘They are not stupid. They are IITians. They just don’t know how to talk to women yet,’ I said.(Krish talking a with girl)

2.)‘Why did you hang up the first time? Your dad picked, right? Ananya asked as

we walked back.I stopped in my tracks. ‘How do you know?’‘I guessed. I do it with mom when I’m angry with her. We

don’t hang up; wejust stay on the line and keep silent.’(discourse about father

son relations)

conclusion

English is link language across the nation.Second language gives an opportunity to express our feelings, present our culture to the world.positive side of it is it is adaptive thus we can use it in our own way. Language can be use creatively which is the mark of intellect.