New Delhi, September 15 (Udaipur Kiran) : Observing Hindi Day on September 14, discussions around the evolution of the Hindi language have gained momentum. The language, often described as a flowing river that continuously incorporates new words, is now witnessing a blend of Urdu, local dialects, English, and internet slang, leading to concerns about its purity and evolution.
Journalist and poet Pratap Somvanshi shared his insights on the challenges and possibilities facing Hindi literature today. He pointed out the stark differences between classic and modern Hindi, highlighting a common phrase: “I called him, but he didn’t pick up.” He argues that such constructions reflect a degradation of the language, as they replace Hindi verbs with English.
Somvanshi noted that the perception of English as the language of employment and elitism has contributed to this shift. Many feel embarrassed for not knowing English, yet take pride in their limited Hindi skills. He emphasized that until this attitude changes, the conflict between Hindi and “Hinglish” will persist.
The debate on what constitutes “pure Hindi” arises frequently. Somvanshi dismisses the notion of a singular “pure” form, stating that the language exists in various forms, from literary classics to everyday conversations. Despite Hindi being recognized as an official language, its true strength comes from its cultural roots rather than bureaucratic recognition. He warns that abandoning Hindi equates to losing one’s cultural identity, as dialects like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili are integral to our heritage.
Somvanshi also highlighted a significant change in contemporary literature, where profanity is increasingly accepted as a means of authentic dialogue. He believes that whether this is appropriate depends on the author’s intent. Literature should reflect reality, but it should not resort to vulgarity for shock value.
Regarding the impact of social media on the Hindi language, Somvanshi remarked that while technology has facilitated expression, it often overlooks the beauty and grammar of the language. He expressed concern that amidst the flood of content, the depth of language and literature is being lost.
As Hindi transitions into what some might call a “new Hindi,” Somvanshi posits that the challenge lies not in preserving its existence but in safeguarding its cultural essence. He urged society to honor their mother tongue alongside English, stating that a community that does not respect its linguistic heritage lacks true self-respect.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.