New Delhi, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : Hindi is often described as “ever-flowing,” akin to a river that continuously adapts and incorporates new words. Recently, on September 14, Hindi Day was celebrated, sparking discussions among the public and literary figures about the widening gap between classic and modern Hindi. Many wonder if this shift signifies a decline in the language, as modern Hindi increasingly blends with Urdu, local dialects, English, and internet slang, leading to the Romanization of the Devanagari script.
In light of these changes, we spoke with journalist and poet Pratap Somvanshi about the challenges and opportunities facing Hindi literature today. He points out that the difference between classic and modern Hindi is significant. For instance, a sentence like “I called him, but he didn’t pick up” is not modern Hindi but rather poor Hindi. From a linguistic perspective, when a sentence relies solely on auxiliary verbs in Hindi while using English for the main verb or noun, it reflects a deterioration of the language. This influx of English words likely stems from the perception of English as the language of employment and elitism. Today, many feel embarrassed for not knowing English, yet take pride in their limited Hindi, often saying, “Sorry, my Hindi is weak.” Until this attitude shifts, the struggle between Hindi and “Hinglish” will continue.
A common question arises: if Hindi borrows words from other languages, what constitutes “pure Hindi”? Somvanshi asserts that “pure Hindi” does not truly exist. There is one form found in the works of Chhayavad poets or Sanskrit-influenced texts, and another that we use in everyday conversation. Despite being designated as an official language, Hindi derives its true strength not from government documents but from the people and culture. The challenge today is that abandoning one’s language equates to losing one’s cultural identity. Dialects like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, or Maithili are not just languages; they are our roots.
In contemporary literature, a notable shift has occurred. Profanity is often presented as a natural part of dialogue in today’s literature and web series, prompting the question of whether literature has the right to depict society’s harsh realities. Somvanshi believes this depends on the author’s intent. The boundaries of propriety in literature cannot be dictated by external entities; it is up to the writer’s discretion. If a character’s background naturally includes profanity, it can be accepted as realism. However, if profanity is used merely for sensationalism or to appear modern, it reflects a decline in the author’s thought process. The greatest challenge is to be “simple.” Kabir and Tulsidas are revered not for their complex language but for their ability to write in a way that resonates with the common people.
Discussing social media’s impact on the Hindi language, Somvanshi notes that while technology has facilitated expression, it often overlooks grammar and the beauty of the language in the rush to communicate. Social media has enhanced communication but has also diluted the depth of literature and language amidst the overwhelming content.
Today, as we navigate the transition from Hindi to “Hinglish,” we may be witnessing the birth of a “new Hindi.” The greatest challenge for Hindi is not its survival—given its vast market—but preserving its “cultural soul.” Somvanshi emphasizes the need for a commitment to connect language to our roots. While it is essential to speak English, equal respect must be given to our mother tongue. A society that cannot stand for the respect of its “mother” (its language) risks losing its own dignity.
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