A conversation about English with SHASHI THAROOR. [2020]

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, renowned for his eloquence and wit, discusses the rich history of the English language in India. He highlights unique Indian English words and phrases, some of which have even made their way into global usage. From terms like 'defenestrate' and 'noligoster' to the fascinating evolution of words like 'shampoo' and 'cash', the discussion sheds light on the influence of Indian languages on English. Dr. Tharoor also reflects on the growing number of English speakers in India and how Indian English may soon leave a global imprint, influencing future language trends worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Shashi Tharoor has coined words like 'multi-alignment' and enjoys using unique English terms such as 'defenestrate.'
• 😀 Indian English has enriched the global English language with words like 'shampoo,' 'cash,' and 'catamaran,' all of which originated in Indian languages.
• 😀 Terms like 'pre-pone' (to advance a meeting) and 'history-sheeter' (a criminal with a long history) are distinct examples of Indianisms in everyday speech.
• 😀 Dr. Tharoor believes Indian English deserves the same recognition as other regional varieties like American or Australian English.
• 😀 Despite the growing number of English speakers in India, the official census often undercounts the actual number due to the limited questions asked about languages spoken.
• 😀 Dr. Tharoor highlights that the British mispronounced and adapted many Indian words when they were incorporated into English, like 'shampoo' from 'champo.'
• 😀 Indian English includes words that are specific to India, such as 'brinjal,' which only exists in Indian English and has no direct equivalent in other forms of English.
• 😀 Indian expressions like 'kindly adjust' and 'we are like this only' showcase the unique flavor of Indian English and its integration into everyday language.
• 😀 Words borrowed from Indian languages, such as 'jungle' and 'guru,' are often used in English but are misunderstood by many in the Western world as purely English terms.
• 😀 The term 'multi-alignment' was initially coined by Dr. Tharoor and, after years of being ignored, has now become more widely accepted, even used by the Indian Foreign Minister.

Q & A

What is Dr. Shashi Tharoor's perspective on the English language?

Dr. Tharoor views English as a versatile and evolving language, shaped by different regions and cultures. He believes Indian English has a unique charm, with its own set of words and expressions that differentiate it from other forms of English.

Can you give an example of a word that Dr. Tharoor has introduced to the public?

One of the words Dr. Tharoor introduced is 'multi-alignment', a term he coined to describe India's foreign policy beyond non-alignment. While it was initially dismissed, it has recently gained popularity, particularly with the foreign minister of India using it in speeches.

What is the origin of the word 'shampoo' as explained by Dr. Tharoor?

The word 'shampoo' originates from the Bengali word 'champo', which means to press, knead, or rub. It was used by British colonists when they asked their servants to wash their hair, and eventually evolved into the word 'shampoo'.

What does Dr. Tharoor think about the use of Indian words in English?

Dr. Tharoor highlights the significant influence of Indian languages on English, with words like 'jungle', 'guru', 'yoga', and 'cash' entering English from Indian languages. Some of these words are often mispronounced or misunderstood in their British English usage.

What is the word 'defenestrate' and why does Dr. Tharoor like it?

'Defenestrate' means to throw something or someone out of a window. Dr. Tharoor enjoys using this word in a political context, where it can mean rejecting or expelling something, such as political opportunists. He finds it underutilized and would like to see it more commonly used.

What are some surprising English words that have Indian origins?

Words like 'cash', which comes from the Tamil 'kaasu' meaning money, and 'catamaran', derived from the Tamil word 'kattumaram' (to cut wood), are examples of Indian-origin words in English that are often not recognized as such by native English speakers.

What is Dr. Tharoor’s take on the growing number of English speakers in India?

Dr. Tharoor points out that India is rapidly becoming a hub for English speakers due to its large population and growing influence. He estimates that between 10% and 20% of the Indian population speaks English, although official statistics may underestimate this number.

What role does Indian English play in global English usage?

Indian English has carved out a distinctive place in the global landscape of English, just like other regional versions such as American, Australian, or British English. Its influence is growing, with expressions and words unique to India, like 'pre-pone' and 'please adjust'.

What is the significance of the term 'pre-pone' in Indian English?

'Pre-pone' is an Indianism meaning to reschedule something to an earlier time. Dr. Tharoor personally likes the word and finds it more logical than the term 'advance meeting', which he believes sounds odd.

What is the origin of the word 'brinjal' in Indian English?

While 'brinjal' is used in Indian English to refer to eggplant, it does not have an equivalent in other Indian languages, where it is referred to as 'bangan' in Hindi or 'vazhuthananga' in Malayalam. The term 'brinjal' itself is unique to Indian English.