Analysis and Interpretation of "His English Is British English, American English, But Mine Is Indian English" by Bijay Kant Dubey In the poem His English Is British English, American English.
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Read the poem 'His English Is British English, American English, But Mine Is Indian English' by the Indian poet Bijay Kant Dubey.
Write a text in which you analyse and interpret the poem. Justify your analysis with examples.
Reference:
Dubey, B.K. (2014, 20 November). His English Is British English, American English, But Mine Is Indian English. Poem Hunter. https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/his-english-is-british-english-american-english-but-mine-is-indian-english/
Analysis and Interpretation of "His English Is British English, American English, But Mine Is Indian English" by Bijay Kant Dubey
In the poem His English Is British English, American English, But Mine Is Indian English (2014), Indian poet Bijay Kant Dubey explores the complex relationship between language, identity, and cultural influence. The poem contrasts two distinct forms of English—the standard British and American English—against the speaker’s own Indian English, reflecting the impact of colonial history, globalization, and the persistence of cultural identity. Through the poem, Dubey delves into themes of linguistic superiority, self-identity, and the tension between emulation and authenticity.
Linguistic Superiority and Cultural Hierarchies
The opening lines of the poem set up a sharp contrast between the English spoken by the "other" (the figure of the Westernized individual) and the speaker’s own English, which he identifies as "Indian English." The "his" in the poem refers to someone who speaks "British English, American English," implying a mastery of what are considered the 'standard' or 'superior' forms of English. These varieties of English are often associated with power, prestige, and global influence, as they are spoken in countries like the UK and the US, which have historically played dominant roles in politics, economics, and culture.
The phrase "King's Standard, Queen's Standard" in the second stanza alludes to the regal and formal nature of British English, reinforcing the idea that this form of English represents a higher linguistic standard. This is contrasted sharply with the speaker’s own "halting speech" and "Indian rustic learning to speak in English," reflecting a sense of inferiority or inadequacy in relation to the ‘correct’ forms of English. The speaker seems to acknowledge that while English is a tool of empowerment in India, it is still deeply tied to colonial legacies and Western cultural norms.
The Struggle for Identity in Language
The poem conveys the speaker’s internal struggle with the language he speaks, which he claims as "Indian English." He emphasizes that "My English is mine, only mine," asserting ownership and pride in his form of English, even though it is distinct from the dominant forms spoken by the West. The speaker’s English is shaped by the rhythms, stresses, and structure of Indian languages, evident in the line "Stressing like an Indian language," suggesting that his speech retains elements of his cultural identity that distinguish it from the Western varieties of English.
There is also a tension between emulating the West and maintaining his Indian roots. The figure of the "he" in the poem "turned into an American" after "emulating them," suggests that this person, by adopting American English and the accent, has effectively transformed himself into someone who no longer feels or sounds Indian. This "turning into an American" reflects the notion of linguistic assimilation—where speaking English in a standardized, Westernized manner is often seen as a form of cultural success or sophistication. In contrast, the speaker feels trapped in his Indian identity, "Villagerly and countrified," as he remains grounded in his origins.
Colonial Legacy and Globalization
The poem also alludes to the colonial legacy of English in India, where English was historically imposed by the British as the language of administration and education. The fact that the speaker is a "professor of English" despite his "halting speech" further underscores the complex relationship Indians have with English. While English is a dominant language in India’s academic and professional spheres, it is often a reminder of colonial rule and continues to be a marker of social and educational status. However, the speaker rejects the idea of abandoning his cultural heritage and embraces Indian English as his own unique form of expression, despite its perceived inferiority in the global context.
The tension between Western and Indian English also highlights the broader theme of globalization. As English becomes the global lingua franca, there is increasing pressure for non-native speakers to adopt "standard" English forms to compete in the global arena. The poem critiques this pressure, suggesting that such a shift risks erasing local identities and cultures in favor of a homogenized, Westernized ideal.
Conclusion
Bijay Kant Dubey’s His English Is British English, American English, But Mine Is Indian English grapples with the complexities of language and identity in post-colonial India. Through the contrast between British, American, and Indian English, the poem explores themes of cultural authenticity, linguistic pride, and the influence of colonialism and globalization. While the speaker acknowledges the prestige of the Western forms of English, he also asserts the value and uniqueness of his own "Indian English," highlighting the importance of embracing one’s cultural roots rather than succumbing to the pressure to conform to foreign standards. The poem ultimately champions the idea that language is not just a means of communication but also a powerful marker of identity and cultural heritage.