India and English-Speaking Asia

Introduction

In most of the world, English spread as a native language through settlement, but in Asia, its story is different. English is primarily a second language, a powerful legacy of the British and American colonial empires. Nowhere is this legacy more complex and fascinating than in India, a subcontinent of immense diversity where English functions as a crucial link language. Across Asia, from the business hubs of Singapore to the call centres of the Philippines, English has become the language of opportunity and globalisation, while also raising complex questions about cultural identity and linguistic inequality.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, you should be able to:

• Explain the historical reasons for the prominence of English in India.
• Describe the role English plays as a "link language" in a linguistically diverse country.
• Understand the concept of code-switching and hybrid languages like "Hinglish."
• Provide examples of the role of English in other Asian countries like Singapore and the Philippines.
• Analyse the debate around English as a tool for empowerment versus a form of cultural imperialism.

The Legacy of the Raj: English in India

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