The hybrid of English and Hindi, “Hinglish”, is widely and commonly used in Hindi films, music and advertisements, and has been used in both India and Britain since the 17th century. And now for the first time, Hinglish will be taught at UK colleges in attempt to help the UK win business in India. Portsmouth College has introduced a new course teaching Hinglish as a subject.
The Collins English Dictionary also has a number of English words that stem from Hinglish. Words such as “shampoo” from the Hindi word which means massage or kneading; “cushy” which comes from the Hindi word meaning pleasant; and “thug” which comes from the Hindi word for thief or cheat have been included in the dictionary.
The use of the hybrid of English and Hindi language has become mainstream, so much so that is has even become the preferred choice in India's prospering business community; in other words, learning Hinglish could be be ideal for students who are looking for international opportunities in India- one of the world's largest economy.
Common Hinglish phrases include, “Time kya hua hai?”, meaning “What time is it right now?”
Teacher Viraj Shah expressed, “Films are being watching by a lot of Indian people and right from the titles to the script, everything is in Hinglish.”
Hybrid Bollywood film titles have become prevalent and popular, such as “Love Aaj Kal”, “Jab We Met”, and “Pyaar Mein Twist”, etc.
James Watters, a department head at Portsmouth College said, “It's great to hear that our future generation of workers are taking into account that things are happening around us.”
Watters also suggests that the course teaching Hinglish would make students “socially aware and better prepared for situations they may be faced with.”
So far, 18 students have signed up to Hinglish lessons at the sixth-form college. The deputy principal, Simon Barrable said, “The you people are very aware we are leaving the EU and I suppose this helps prepare them for the post-Brexit world.”
