Linguistic Anxieties: Impact of English on Politics, Mother Tongue and Creative Writing in India

The perception of English as the key to economic success creates an ideological ambivalence that makes itself felt in all spheres, whether political or social. The paper analyses the political, social and cultural dimensions of the conflict between regional languages and English in India. It is increasingly clear that the English language is here to stay in spite of the periodic trumpet calls issued against the spread and use of English in the name of patriotism. The continuing dominance of English in independent India is a matter of concern for many who see in it a fundamental contradiction. However, others believe in rejecting the political and cultural hegemony of the west without rejecting the language of the colonial powers. The paper shows how pragmatic compulsions tilt political and educational policies of the country in favour of the English language, bringing together seemingly incompatible postulates. This however raises fears that the mother tongue will soon be confined to the domestic sphere, placing at risk the rich linguistic diversity of India. The paper concludes by exploring the indigenization of English and the exponential growth of creative writing in English by Indian authors which posits the proposition that for many in India, English has become an Indian language.