Respecting languages

APARIJITA GAUTAM

The first words we utter are always special. Parents talk about their child’s first words all the time. As we grow, we learn more words. We learn languages. There will come a time when we speak a different language at home and a different language at our schools.

Language becomes an important part of who we are. They actually define who we are. Language and culture inevitably give shape to our identity. But somewhere along the line, an awkwardness arises. Because of our bilingual nature, we get lost somewhere. To put it simply, I am talking about the mixture of English and Nepali language in our everyday lives. I watched an interview recently where the interviewer was using 80 per cent Nepali words and 20 per cent of uncomfortable English words. The interviewee on the other hand, despite being asked questions in Nepali was having trouble answering in Nepali. The interviewee could not even complete a sentence without mixing some English words.Acculturation is a good thing when we learn to take in the new without forgetting the old. It is only when we learn to respect the languages in their original forms, we can speak properly. Not to forget in this time and era where Hindi movies are very popular, we tend to mix some Hindi words in our day to day conversations. For instance, I overheard some teenagers in a micro van and a line of their conversation went something like this, “Sabse bestest gaana ta tei ho ni.” There we have it all, English, Nepali and Hindi words in one sentence.

A language not spoken correctly sometimes gives the wrong meaning. What is said is not what is meant. Such situations lead to confusions. Knowing how to speak and putting up a good conversation are two different things. Mixing various languages definitely does not show good speaking skills.

Instead, the sensible thing to

do would be to speak one language at a time. Words are one of the most powerful things and they say language is the tool

of love.

Every language is beautiful in itself. But to truly capture its essence and beauty, it must be spoken and written correctly, completely on its own. Sincerity is genuinely required. If not, its beauty will disappear. All we need to do is show a little respect. It definitely goes a long way. Words are used to express oneself. Words constitute languages. All languages should preferably be preserved for posterity. It is a pity that many languages are dying. Languages are a heritage of mankind and something all should be proud of. Languages are second to none as effective means of

communication.