Understanding Indian English Pronunciation
Indian people often have a distinct accent when speaking English, which can be attributed to various factors.
India has 1.4 billion inhabitants, while the average for a Spanish-speaking country is 40 million. In India, emerging in life is a challenge, especially if you were born in rural areas (70% of the population). This 70% lives and will live in the countryside. India is a linguistically diverse country with over 1,600 languages spoken across its regions. English is typically learned as a second or third language, leading to variations in pronunciation and accent. Different mother tongues and regional influences can shape the way Indians pronounce English words. Perhaps tired of the conditions, many risk going to the big cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Calcutta. That’s where the money is, the modernity is. Everything there is future. Plus, they speak English. The next step, after the adventure of crossing the country by train to your destination and seeking refuge, is to be able to communicate. India was a British colony until 1942 and its influence linguistically impacted the aforementioned areas. So, whether you like it or not, you have to learn English to have a couple of rupees in your pocket.
We Were a British Colony. I Speak English Well
The environment you arrive at speaks “English” because they were cities with a high British influence. So you learn being convinced that it is appropriate English. And it is, grammatically. But it is not at all “international” English or intelligible to the ear in a standard way. They continue to live there, they continue to repeat the model: speaking English with the Indian pronunciation. At the end of the day, if I work in India, and everyone talks like that, why should I change. Also, if it’s proper English, why should I speak any differently? That local Indian reality is not going to change.
Perhaps an Indian, who lives in an English environment different from that of his country of origin, such as in NY or London, will realize that he must change his accent to be understood more easily. So, perhaps for the Indian it is an issue of discrimination. While for the rest, it is a communication issue. There is the key.
Cultural Influence
The Indian accent in English is also influenced by cultural factors. English is often taught in schools using Indian English textbooks and materials, which can reinforce certain pronunciation patterns. Additionally, Indian movies and media may contribute to the development of a specific accent.
It’s important to note that accent does not indicate a lack of proficiency in English. Many Indians have excellent command over the language and can communicate effectively. Accent should be seen as a unique aspect of cultural diversity rather than a measure of language ability.
Understanding and appreciating different accents can help foster better communication and cultural exchange. It is essential to focus on effective communication rather than judging or stereotyping based on accents.
The key is to be intelligible
Your speech, message or idea must have two characteristics: first, it must be intelligible. That is to say, that the sounds that I pronounce are understood by the universe in which I am immersed. If I don’t do it, thinking it is discrimination, what we are doing is an act of stubbornness. And second, our message is concrete, complete. Being fluent is not talking fast. I am when my message is complete (I say what I have to say) with a universal pronunciation. Perhaps we latin american people are stubborn as well. Stop pointing Indian accent unless you stop pronouncing English under castilian rules.