English vs. Hindi: Why English Holds the Edge in a Globalized World

 

English vs. Hindi: Why English Holds the Edge in a Globalized World

Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a living, breathing entity that reflects culture, history, and progress. In India, a land of linguistic diversity, the debate over English versus Hindi often sparks passionate arguments. Some claim Hindi, as a widely spoken native language, is just as effective as English, if not superior, due to its cultural roots and emotional resonance. However, when we examine the evolution, adaptability, and global utility of these languages, English emerges as the stronger tool for communication in today’s world. Here’s why.

English: A Language That Never Stands Still

One of the most compelling arguments for English’s superiority is its relentless evolution. English is a dynamic language, constantly absorbing new words, phrases, and concepts to reflect modern realities. Dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster add hundreds of new words annually, often crowning a “Word of the Year” to highlight terms that capture the zeitgeist.

Consider these recent examples:

• 2020: “Pandemic” — Oxford chose this word as it dominated global discourse during the COVID-19 crisis, alongside terms like “lockdown” and “social distancing.”
• 2021: “Vax” — Reflecting the global focus on vaccines, this shorthand became ubiquitous.
• 2022: “Goblin mode” — Oxford’s choice, describing a trend of embracing unapologetic self-indulgence, resonated with post-pandemic attitudes.
• 2023: “Rizz” — Short for charisma, this slang term captured the internet’s fascination with charm and flirtation.
• 2024: “Brainrot” — Reflecting the impact of excessive online content consumption, this term highlights English’s ability to coin words for digital-age phenomena.

These additions show English’s agility in adapting to technological, cultural, and social shifts. From “selfie” to “cryptocurrency,” English creates or borrows terms to stay relevant, making it a living language that evolves with the times.

Does Hindi Evolve? The Case of New Words

Hindi, while rich in history and literature, evolves at a slower pace. According to a 2019 report by ThePrint, Hindi’s vocabulary has grown significantly over two decades, from roughly 20,000 words to 1.5 lakh, largely through borrowing from English and other languages (e.g., “train,” “internet”). The Central Hindi Directorate, responsible for updating Hindi dictionaries, adds words quietly, without the fanfare of Oxford’s announcements. However, there’s no comprehensive public record of new Hindi words added in the last decade, making it hard to track its evolution.

Some examples of recent Hindi additions include:

• Technical terms: Words like “sangnak” (computer) and “durdrishti” (television) were coined to describe modern technology.
• Loanwords: English words like “mobile,” “email,” and “television” are often used directly in Hindi conversations, especially in urban areas.

Unlike English, Hindi’s growth relies heavily on loanwords or Sanskrit-based neologisms, which can feel formal or disconnected from everyday speech. Critics, like Delhi University professor Apoorvanand, argue that the lack of a systematic effort to document Hindi’s evolution — akin to the Oxford English Dictionary — limits its ability to keep pace with modern needs. While Hindi is evolving, its process is less visible and less dynamic compared to English.

The Translation Challenge: Words Like “Deextinction”

English’s global dominance allows it to coin precise terms for emerging concepts, often leaving Hindi scrambling for equivalents. Take “deextinction,” the process of reviving extinct species through genetic engineering. In English, the term is clear and widely understood in scientific circles. In Hindi, there’s no direct equivalent. A possible translation might be “punarjanan” (rebirth) or “vilaropan” (reversing extinction), but these are approximations that lack the specificity of “deextinction.” Translating such terms often requires lengthy explanations, highlighting a gap in Hindi’s scientific lexicon.

While it’s true that Hindi has words without direct English equivalents — e.g., “jugaad” (innovative improvisation) or “sanskriti” (culture with a spiritual connotation) — these are relatively rare. English, by contrast, has a vast and growing vocabulary that captures niche concepts across science, technology, and culture, making it more versatile for precise communication.

Communication as a Global Tool: English’s Reach

If language is a tool for communication, the goal is to reach the widest audience possible. English, spoken by over 2 billion people globally, is the lingua franca of science, business, and diplomacy. In India, while Hindi is the most spoken language (43.6% of the population per the 2011 census), English is the second language of 8.3 crore people, often preferred in professional and urban settings. English’s global reach makes it indispensable for anyone aiming to connect beyond regional or national boundaries.

This is reflected in India’s legal system. Article 348 of the Constitution mandates that all Supreme Court proceedings and High Court judgments be in English, ensuring uniformity and accessibility across India’s diverse linguistic landscape. The original Constitution itself was written in English, underscoring its role as the language of governance and law. While Hindi is authorized in some High Court proceedings (e.g., in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar), judgments must still be accompanied by English translations, reinforcing English’s primacy.

Hindi’s Emotional Depth vs. English’s Utility

Hindi’s supporters argue that it carries an emotional and cultural weight that English lacks. Words like “prem” (love) or “dharma” (duty/righteousness) evoke nuances rooted in Indian philosophy, which English translations often fail to capture. Hindi’s literary tradition, from Tulsidas to Premchand, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Yet, emotional depth alone doesn’t make a language “better” in a practical sense. English’s strength lies in its utility — its ability to bridge cultures, facilitate global exchange, and adapt to new realities.

Conclusion: English as the Language of Progress

The argument that Hindi is “no better” than English overlooks key differences. English evolves rapidly, adding words like “rizz” and “brainrot” to reflect modern life, while Hindi’s growth, though significant, is less dynamic and poorly documented. English coins precise terms like “deextinction,” often leaving Hindi with clunky translations. Most importantly, English’s global reach makes it the ultimate tool for communication, as recognized by India’s Constitution and legal system.

This isn’t to diminish Hindi’s value. As a language of identity and heritage, it’s irreplaceable. But in a world that demands adaptability and connectivity, English’s evolution, precision, and universality give it an undeniable edge. To thrive in the 21st century, India needs both: Hindi for its soul, and English for its ambitions.