New Delhi, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : In a recent discussion, journalist and author Anant Vijay addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the purity of the Hindi language. Questions often arise about what constitutes a “pure” Hindi word and whether the incorporation of English or other Indian language words weakens Hindi. Vijay offers a fresh perspective, arguing that categorizing Hindi into pure and impure is not the right approach. Instead, he believes in distinguishing between familiar and unfamiliar words.
Vijay likens Hindi to a flowing river, emphasizing that its development has always involved borrowing words from other languages and dialects. This borrowing is a testament to its strength. Hindi has assimilated vocabulary from Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Persian, Arabic, Urdu, English, and various regional dialects, making it a rich and diverse language.
He asserts that adopting words from other languages does not indicate a language’s decline. In fact, the evolution of nearly every major language in the world has followed this path. For instance, English includes many words from Indian languages, such as “jungle” and “bandoobast.” Thus, it is inappropriate to view the presence of foreign words in Hindi as a degradation of the language.
To truly understand Hindi, Vijay suggests examining how a word integrates into people’s lives and conversations. If a word is frequently used and its meaning is easily understood, it should not be dismissed simply because it originates from another language.
Many words derived from Sanskrit may seem difficult to contemporary readers, but labeling them as impure is misguided. Vijay emphasizes the importance of recognizing the difference between familiar and unfamiliar Hindi, rather than adhering to the notion of “pure Hindi.”
Literature plays a significant role in the evolution of language. When authors incorporate words that have fallen out of common usage into their works, these words regain visibility. Notable writers like Premchand, Nirala, Agyeya, and Dinkar have expanded the vocabulary of Hindi literature.
Languages naturally adopt new terms to keep pace with emerging topics and technologies. Today, words like “computer,” “internet,” and “mouse” are integral to everyday Hindi. Attempting to create new terms that the general public cannot understand complicates rather than simplifies the language.
Vijay notes that the world is in constant flux. As new technologies emerge, so too will new vocabulary. Therefore, language cannot be confined to a static set of old words. Its primary function is to convey ideas and information. If a word is accepted within society, it should not be judged solely by standards of purity.
He also highlights that Hindi’s identity is closely tied to the Devanagari script. The increasing trend of writing Hindi in Roman script, especially on social media and digital platforms, raises concerns. While this method may facilitate communication, it could adversely affect the habit of reading and writing in Devanagari over time. This trend is particularly evident in film scripts, teleprompters, and certain digital mediums. Supporters of Devanagari should consider these practices seriously rather than accepting them purely for convenience.
According to Vijay, the language used on social media should not be regarded as the definitive or correct form of Hindi. While some users may distort the language, others effectively communicate it.
He believes that the future of Hindi will not be determined solely by social media trends. Television, cinema, literature, education, and mass communication also significantly influence its evolution. Iconic programs like “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” “Mahabharat,” and “Ramayan” have introduced numerous Hindi words and phrases to the public. Amitabh Bachchan’s language has long captivated audiences, contributing to Hindi’s appeal.
Vijay identifies the greatest challenge for Hindi’s future as its integration into school education. Without a strong presence of Indian languages in early and higher education, establishing Hindi as a language of employment, higher education, and scientific knowledge will be difficult. He asserts that Hindi cannot remain merely a language of emotions, literature, or entertainment; it must also evolve into a language of science, technology, education, employment, and research.
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