SDLC 105 Journal # 8 History of the Language

[Khatira Darvesh]

Learning the history of a language can help us better understand and learn the target language. A language is not a constant and stagnant entity. It changes over time, taking different forms. Through interaction with other cultures and languages, that language adopts words, expressions, and even grammar to enrich and transform that language. It evolves with each generation according to the needs of the society and culture. This transformation is clearly seen in Hindi language. Originating from Sanskrit, earliest form of religious texts, it has evolved to reflect todays’ generation of a more globalized youth. Over the years Hindi has been most heavily influenced by Urdu, Persian, and in recent years English as it has become the global language. Due to colonization of India by Great Britain, Hindi has adopted a lot of English words and phrases into their language. But more importantly the younger generation has started using English and Hindi interchangeably by methods of code switching. For example phrases such as ‘aram karna’ (take a rest) became ‘rest karna’—taking an English word and a Hindi word to get the same message across to someone who also speak both languages. So in this case knowing the history of what other languages have come in contact with Hindi and how it has changed the Hindi language gives the learner a better understanding of the language.