Should Mr. Modi speak in English or Hindi during his foreign visits?
Should Mr. Modi speak in English or Hindi during his foreign visits?
India and US, both are very optimistic and looking forward to Modi’s historic visit. An interesting issue is regarding the language Modi should use in his speech. PM Modi had spoken in Hindi during his recent offshore visits and he is promoting the use of Hindi as our official language. But there are many who want Modi to speak in English.
English:
-Indian Diaspora in USA is more comfortable in English as they have been using English as a language of communication. So, Modi can connect with them in a better way using English.
-English is a global language and Modi wants to connect to global media during this visit, so he should use a global language.
-Also, southern states of India especially Tamil Nadu hardly speak Hindi and have substantial chunk in Indian Diaspora in USA. So they might feel neglected if Modi speaks in Hindi.
-Most importantly language is a medium of communication. Therefore, what’s the point in speaking if the audience doesn’t feel connected to the speaker?
Hindi:
-If the Leaders of China, Japan etc. can speak in their own languages and still get praised and followed by global media, then why can’t Modi use Hindi?
-English is not our own language whereas Hindi is. So, Modi should speak in Hindi.
-Language gives a separate identity to a country and its use at global level reflects country’s stature. Only Hindi can give India this separate identity.
-Also, as a leader Modi should use that language in which he is more comfortable i.e. Hindi. What is more important is to convey effectively what one wants to.
-Modi has taken the help of translators while interacting with foreign audiences overcoming the language barrier. He can do it with all his foreign visit.
Conclusion:
These arguments suggest that language has not remained an issue in such foreign visits. Also, as Hindi is our own language, so Indians will feel more connected to Modi. Ultimately the aim of visit is to strengthen bilateral ties, for that India’s needs to present its point of view effectively. Modi’s is the person entitled for it, so what matters is Modi’s ideas and point of view not his language.
Discussion
- RE: Should Mr. Modi speak in English or Hindi during his foreign visits? -Deepa Kaushik (09/26/14)
- Hindi is the national language of our country. yet, many of our own citizens are reluctant to use the language and does not respect the dialect. In such a scenario, the discussion of using the language worldwide is of no use. If at all PM Modi wants to hold the importance of the national language, he should make steps to impart the language to its citizens and make them accept the dialect from their soul. Any forceful implementation would be an utter wastage. The actual victory would be when every citizen of India respects the lingua by heart and accept the same through their implementation in practical conversation and interactions.
With such a diversified thinking within the country, if Modi goes with his Hindi favouritism worldwide, that wouldn’t be all that smart work to be acknowledged. Usage of Hindi in the international meets and conversations is like making a separate image for self to emphasize himself as a different personality. These types of stunts are good to be seen on the first take, but repeated scenarios can prove counter-productive for his image in the long run. His selfie gesture just to portray himself is not all that welcome, especially when it comes to the country’s welfare discussions on the International front.
What India requires today is better standard of living of its citizens and a good economic progress of the country. it hardly matters whether Modi speaks in Hindi or English, or for that matter is that Modi or someone else taking on the discussion. What the country seeks is the final outcome. People have faith in Modi’s talents and so is he on the power having the authority of taking up the discussions. It would be better if our PM can maintain the aura of the place and accept and follow the trend of the Internationally used English language for the conversations during the foreign visits. If Modi feels the importance of the national language, he needs to impart the important and relevance of the same within the country before using the same abroad.
