Sonumb Kapoor: My first language is English (Loreal ad) - Page 31

Originally posted by: Fiery.Phoenix

I grew up speaking Gujarati and English, learnt Hindi later on. And I actually like the fact I can speak, read and write three languages. I don't see Hindi as imposing rather privilege. I definitely see benefits of having a common language people can communicate with. If English is acceptable, don't see why one of the Indian languages can't. It's a democratic country and people can vote for one language. India recognizes all the languages. If it didn't and we're imposing Hindi, I would have had issue with it. I really don't see the reason for insecurity if my native language isn't the national language.

Learning a new language should be a choice not a forced decision. It is not insecurity, but principle of fairness. A democracy is not about majority rules - but fair and equal for all people, even for a minority of one.

A common language is convenient but not necessary for communication. From travel and work experiences I have learned that to communicate you don't need a language but an open mind, friendly attitude, lots of patience and a handful of comical wild animated gestures.

I can happily boast of a 100% success rate of getting friendly polite help at Charles De Gaulle. Travelers who connect in Paris and don't speak French will know what I'm talking about.

Originally posted by: KochurShaakBata

OMG Same! 🤣

Aren't a lot of words like Karma, Bhagya etc. used in Hindi also Sanskrit?

Originally posted by: KochurShaakBata

Oh please!! Every freaking state in the country is obsessed with their own language and literature like they are different countries altogether.😵

Originally posted by: KochurShaakBata

Maybe to an extent but not completely,especially in cities which aren't metros.

I think the prevailing sentiment of many Indians as well as many people across the world towards language may be as follows

- My language is part of my heritage, history, culture and traditions. This language is of utmost importance to me.

- I will choose another language of my choice for widespread global communication

- If you come to my house, you will speak my language, I will not speak yours

- If I come to your house, I will try to make you speak my language, until I learn better and put an effort to communicate

- I don't want to be forced to learn or speak in another language. Forget language, I don't like being told to do anything

For me, my first language and language of choice is English because I know it best and it serves me most on a global scale. The languages that are sentimentally important to me are Konkani and Gujarati first because it's the language of my parents. Then it is Marathi and Hindi because those are the Indian languages I know.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Learning a new language should be a choice not a forced decision. It is not insecurity, but principle of fairness. A democracy is not about majority rules - but fair and equal for all people, even for a minority of one.

A common language is convenient but not necessary for communication. From travel and work experiences I have learned that to communicate you don't need a language but an open mind, friendly attitude, lots of patience and a handful of comical wild animated gestures.

I can happily boast of a 100% success rate of getting friendly polite help at Charles De Gaulle. Travelers who connect in Paris and don't speak French will know what I'm talking about.

There are those people who wish love learning languages and being able to be connected with more speakers. Then there are those who don't want to learn a new language and are content spending the rest of their lives isolated in their own homes or villages connected only with a few. Both ends of the spectrum and everyone in between have the right to choose.

Democracy was created because citizens did not want to be forced to do what the king/dictator/autocrat chose for them. They wanted the right and freedom to live of their own accord. To practice the religions they choose. To practice the traditions and customs they choose. To raise their kids the way they choose. Laws of democracy are in place to prevent one communities choices from infringing on another.

To speak the language of their choice should also be respected as a democratic right. Allow options to learn multiple languages, but don't force anyone. As the need arises people will learn the languages they feel necessary.

It is a misconception that democracy is majority rules. One billion citizens cannot sit together in a room and discuss issues. That is why groups of people select representatives. In India people vote for their local MLA. Then the party with majority seats in the final parliament chooses the leader. In USA people directly vote for the president as well as representatives. There are various democratic processes experimented with to ensure that minorities don't get sidelined. Some countries have numerous runoff elections - kind of like a reality show where the least favorite person gets booted and then people choose amidst the rest.

Democracy actually tries to prevent majority from ruling because majority may choose to suppress the minority. That is why most democracies have legislative, executive and judiciary branches for checks and balances and prevent one group of people having a larger say than others.