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Code-mixing, switching between languages, is everywhere in modern India. In this lesson, you will watch a video illustrating this phenomenon in everyday speech and reflect on what code-mixing tells us about language, power, and identity.
Page outline:
Background reading — What code-mixing is, why it emerged in India, and why it is a sign of linguistic creativity rather than broken language
Watch the video — See Hindi-English code-mixing in action in real speech
Questions — Rewatch the video and answer comprehension questions based on your observations
Reflection questions — Five discussion questions on language access, power, and the legacy of British rule
By the end of this page you will be able to: identify examples of Hindi-English code-mixing in spoken language and discuss how colonial language policy shapes everyday speech today.
💡 Note: If the interactive exercises below are not loading, try switching to Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Some browsers may have difficulty displaying embedded H5P activities.
Code-mixing between English and Hindi is a widespread phenomenon in India, reflecting the country's multilingual society. During British rule, English was the language of administration and education, largely inaccessible to the masses. This created a social divide between those who spoke English and those who didn't. However, with India's independence, English gained a new role – a tool for social mobility and economic opportunity. This accessibility shift, coupled with the continued dominance of Hindi, has led to a unique situation where people seamlessly blend English words and phrases into their everyday Hindi speech. This code-mixing is not a sign of broken language, but rather a creative adaptation that reflects the multilingual reality of modern India.
Step 1: Go to your browser and in a new tab type the following URL and to access Google Input Tools https://www.google.com/inputtools/try/
Step 2: The default language is set to English. Click on the dropdown and select Hindi.
Step 3: Type letter of the Hindi alphabet or Hindi text in Roman Script.
Step 4: As you type, a few possible options in Devanagari script appear below.
Step 5: Once you have finished typing your word, click on the option with the most accurate spelling in Devanagari.
Step 6: Now that this word has been selected, type in a new word in Roman and repeat the process.
3. Rewatch the video and answer the following questions as True or False based on your observations.
❓If you would like additional help or clarification regarding the activities or answers, please feel free to contact Poonam Chauhan at poonamc07@gmail.com.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Q1. How can we ensure that everyone in India has equal access to both English and Hindi, regardless of their social background?
Q2. How does code-mixing impact the development and preservation of Hindi?
Q3. Does code-mixing create a barrier for those who are not familiar with both English and Hindi?
Q4. Would code-mixing be as prevalent if English hadn't been imposed by the British?
Q5. How do you think the power dynamics during British rule influenced the way English is used in India today?
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