Socio-cultural Dimensions of English as a Second Language by Rekha Aslam (University of Delhi)



Socio-cultural Dimensions of English as a Second Language by Rekha Aslam (University of Delhi)





Introduction

English is taught as a second language in India. Is it relevant to Indian reality? English is made to full fill the function of the second language. English is used creatively and thereby the socio-cultural codes infused in it. We manipulate English for cultural expression, it is possible because it is second language. Social structure and cultural sensitivity of Indian Culture creates a new form of English language.

Difference Between Second Language and Foreign Language

A Foreign Language:

  • It's not one's own
  • One may have very good knowledge of it
  • It is used for absorbing the culture of other nation
  • It produce bilinguals with the passive and receptive attitude
  • It remains language of reading and knowing but not of communication
  • In India Like French, German or Russian


A Second Language:

  • It is one’s own
  • Secondary in order of importance, secondary to be learnt 
  • Alternative way of expressing a culture of one’s own
  • It produce bilinguals with active and creative interest
  • t becomes means of communication in some domains from interaction
  • In  Indian English is second language 


How English used in literature

Vocabulary:-
v  many methods are used to transfer the basic vocabulary in the second language.
v  Words from a speakers’/writers’ native language are absorbs directly in to second language(English).
v  Words are literally or semantically translated.
v  Three practice used by writers, borrowing with phonological adaption, lone translation, lone creation. 
v  Second language enriched by absorption of the native words
v  Through repeated use words retain meaning and feeling

Native words find their way In English because of the non-availability of an equivalent counterpart. These word are deep rooted in Indian culture, that they are part of Indian Psyche. Sometimes the counter part of word in English does not arise same emotions and feeling, thus we use native word.

Examples:- From 2States by Chetan Bhagat
Clothes:- Sarees, Salwar-Kamiz.
Food :-  Tandoori chicken, Idli and Dhosa, samosa.
Dance:- Bharatnatyam
Ceremony:- Sagan(Punjabi Word for Engagement)
Kinship Relation:- Mama, Masi, Mausa..(Indian Culture). Uncle:- covers both maternal and paternal division of kinship.

Idioms, Metaphors and similes

Though one is speaking or writing in English(L2), as both are productive skill, they make use of idioms, metaphors, and various figures of speech from native Language. 
Examples:- from 2States

1.“She'll never date you, it is a rasgulla down the drain”(idioms)
2. “Thank you, beta. You kept our izzat (prestige)"  
4. It is amazing how people can feel insulted even after being welcomed by elephants.(how Indian writer manipulate language in order to express their feelings)







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