Article Reflection No. 17 (7/14/2022)

Article: How to Read English in India

Reflection:

In “How to Read English in India”, journalist Akshya Saxena introduces the impact English has, and continues to have, on Indian culture. To begin her article on a personal, resonant note, the writer describes the application of American language in day-to-day life, both at home and at school. Interestingly, she recounts a scene where her grandmother genuinely asks the narrator’s older sister if a piece of paper with her American name on it should be thrown away. Although the latter expressed exasperation at the question, English’s reverential effect, clearly shown in this story, is exposed to elders. India, Saxena writes, has adopted English as a language closely correlated with liberation and the American dream. According to the article, English is not only a factor that is believed to solidify the various-language-speaking India population, but is also viewed as a shovel, paving the way towards a brighter, opportune, educated future. Furthermore, Saxena recounts the history of the Indian Constitution, explaining how figures like Gandhi opposed to adapting English as an associate official language because it was the slave language of the then–oppressing British. Those averse to English being the official language preferred Hindustani, which “[embodied] the syncretic Hindu-Muslim history of India” (Saxena 5). However, the Indian Constitution ultimately dismissed it, stating that English “was equally foreign to all in India and thus politically neutral” (Saxena 6). Another key takeaway from this article is the expansion of politics that comes with English. English, Saxena states, has not only helped India create global allies, but has also heightened democracy’s potential by challenging the caste system. This challenging has been brought through the adaptation of Dalit goddess English, whom many believe have “delivered [India] from centuries of caste oppression” (Saxena 7).

This article reminds me of how lucky I am to be able to speak and learn of a language that is used prevalently and reverently throughout many nations. Effective communication is necessary to share perspectives, understand one another, and come up with solutions to both local and global issues. English is one of the main languages that serves as a key to this world-wide web of sharing.

Vocab:

[Definitions from Oxford Languages Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary]

Crucible (n.) a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures

Syncretic (because it sounds like “synthesize”, I infer that this word has to do with making something) (adj.) characterized or brought about by a combination of different forms of belief or practice

Majoritarian (adj.) governed by/believing in decision by a majority

Dalit (n.) (in the traditional Indian caste system) a member of the lowest caste

Disseminate (v.) spread (something, esp. information) widely → (Synonym: seminate)

Commensurate (adj.) corresponding in size/degree; in proportion

Communal (adj.) shared by all members of a community; for common use. 2) (of conflict) between different communities, especially those having different religions or ethnic origins.

Postcolonial (adj.) post-domination of a people or area by a foreign state or nation : post-practice of extending and maintaining a nation's political and economic control over another people or area

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