So said, Amitabh in Namak Halal way back in 1982. We've come a long way as a country since then, and more people are walking and talking English than ever before. 
But with the spread of the language, satellite television, remix culture and perhaps bad teachers, the English language spoken in India is not the language the Brits left behind in 1947....a few examples of uniquely Indian English nuggets:
How many times has someone introduced themselves to you with the 'concept' of 'Myself Happy/ Lucky/Bubbly'?
What about when someone calls you, on the phone and says...'Amrit this side'.
Why do our restaurants/ pubs get pluralized? There is only one Olive, one Del Italia and one Trishna. Or rather, you can only visit one restaurant at a time no?
Why do people say he has/ hasn't reverted BACK?
What about 'I don't think SO, I can make it to your party'....
Anti social as i was taught, implies someone who's either a vandal or a someone who incites riots- not someone who wants to hang in a corner at a party solo.
In the Mumbai Times, which is the paper of the new and the modern India, and largely responsible for the dumbing down of our younger citizenry, somehow everyone is invariably 'grooving' along to the 'peppy tunes' played by DJ (fill in the blank). I take it the BT reporters have never ever been to a dull party.
AND THE ALL TIME CLASSIC:
What about 'Have you taken your meals?' (I never took them anywhere, I sat on the table and ate).
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
I can walk English, I can talk English etc
Posted by bowen arrow at 4:31 PM
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