HDNI Final Exam 3

What is the new definition of a Hindu proposed by Savarkar?

"A Hindu means a person who regards this land from the Indus to the Seas as his fatherland as well as his Holyland." The definition is territorial, genealogical, and religious. Territorial definition, Genealogical definition- for who is India the father land. Religious definition- for whom is India the sacred land. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, are considered a Hindu, but Muslim, Christians, Jews, and Parsis are non-Hindus because India is not their holy land.

What is meant by 'political diglossia'?

'Being Indian' means a multilayered identity in which the upper and more general identification subsumes but does not nullify, the less general and particular ones. Every Indian has a national identity. But since people live in their linguistic state, they have a regional identity. National identity overtakes regional identity. Regional competes with national. Identity as Indian and belonging to a certain state or language group. Two tier approach to the national and regional identity.

What are the main differences between the educated and non-educated varieties of Telugu?

1. Inability to pronounce ten aspired consonants: ph, bh, th, dh, ch, jh, kh, gh (uneducated speech), four fricatives: f, s, s, h and two retroflexes: n, l 2. Inability to maintain consonant clusters (in words from Sanskrit and English) 3. Using prestigious phonological features for upward mobility.

What are the main reasons for mixing with Indian Languages?

1. Power and Prestige 2. Modernization (English still competing with Sanskrit) The expansion of lexicon in the modern context of language use because the words aren't in Indian languages. 3. Discussing Taboo topics 4. Code mixing leading to expansion of the lexical base of Indian languages. Keep dropping English words for prestige and taboo words with relevant context, like sex, birth, babies. The emotional words are there but need to switch to English to explain the process.

Discuss the specific impacts of transnational television in India?

1. There is a homogenization of cultural practices: products and practices, standardization of names, spellings, etc. Cultural practices are being cracked down on homogenization. For most people, wedding seems to be impacted, the way of dressing and getting married. Bollywood films are a hard act to follow. Television stars are more popular in the masses. 2. Emergence of area specific 'little tradition' and eventually becoming 'big tradition' due to national and international visibility. 3. Aspiration of new identities towards economic and political power: revival of demand for recognition of languages, political autonomy (creation of new states), rise of new political parties, etc.

What are the main criticisms usually levelled against Indian novels in English?

A central problem was the un-essentializable plurality in India. Translating India into a foreign language while preserving its 'essence'; one has to convey in a language that it not one's own, the spirit that it is one's own. Indian novels in English discuss the diversity of India and then have to make their novels relatable by western audience. Difficult to combine western and eastern values. Shows that Indian's diversity cannot be reduced. Eternal untranslatability-- Indian cannot be easily translated to western. Idiosyncratic combination of western and eastern values to underlie India's eclecticism and its eternal untranslatability. Writers can fail with some things and can be inauthentic in order to reach western audiences.

Briefly discuss the impact of mass media on language and culture of India.

There was an impact of homogenization of language and cultures. Secondly, practically even the language discourse, cultural discourse, and practices they seem to kind of follow whatever happens in mass media, television series, foreign film, etc. They have impacted every aspect of language and cultural practices used. Everything is being impacted. Cultural etiquette like thank you. The way people interact with each other in film and television is getting standardized. In music dance, everything is being impacted by mass media. Patterns of speech behavior, social etiquette, and interpersonal relationships is impacted. Ex: wedding ceremony, see a Bollywood wedding film, want to follow that and lifestyle.

Is English an Indian language?

Both yes and no. It is an Indian language in the sense that every educated person is able to use it. It has been used in India for almost 300 years by now. Even the freedom fighters who overthrew the British empire also knew English. Used in practically every sector of Indian economy and practically all domains except home and religious. Initially some resistance but people don't mind. Not an Indian English because it hasn't been fully accepted. The way people speak English in India is still on the outer frames. Rather recent language.

Why is the traditional Indian social world 'fuzzy' and 'unenumerated'?

Boundaries are hazy and spectrum like. Distinct languages can exist in Indian society without uniting or dividing people in the manner one sees in the modern contexts. Indian culture people does not care for strict boundaries. Nothing exists in India in a demarcated form. Unenumerated- Counting with objects. Hard to decide who to count, who to include, who not to include so they counted animals, trees-- no systematic attempt to do so. People in Indian culture do not believe in history or consider it seriously. So historical records aren't that good. Post global India, British come, start counting people, how many languages, and speakers, etc. Tried to put in place boundaries.

Show how the institution of marriage has changed/ is changing in India?

Changing modes of marriage in India: rise of love marriages, "mediated love marriages", and shadi.com type internet sites. Marriages are no more "made in heaven." People are deciding to marry on their own. Rise of internet marriages. A lot of wedding sites. Partly because of love marriages becoming very common. Intercaste and interreligion marriages on the rise in India.

Why did the policy of giving English a lease of 15 years, not work as planners and leaders of independent India have hoped for?

They were too optimistic; none were trained linguistic or experienced in language planning. Too short a time to change their linguistic practices. Also, no incentive to switch to another language. There has to be a tangible incentive to why should I do that.

How do Indian novels in English seem to follow the 'unifying project' of the British rule?

Cultural aspect has one dimension. The specific cultural or ideas will be ignored into this standard way of defying what is a language and what is a dialect. This is a unifying project; they seem to impose a standard artificial thing and the entirety of cultural linguistic practices.

What is meant by the terms 'elite' and 'vernacular' India?

Elite- People who know English very well have many more advantages in India. They wield enormous power because of this. This is traditional notion of elite. Never majority always minority in prestige, power, always have an upper hand. English seems to have created two India's-- Elite India and vernacular India. Vernacular India- Refers to those who have no or bare knowledge of English.

Define the term Vak.

Eruption of speech. Having that nada pass through the human mind. Localization at the human level of nada is Vak, speech.

What is meant by Sanatan dharma?

Eternal religion. Term given to Hinduism by Hindis themselves. Not unchanging, it will eternally exist by keeping with the changes and evolving, new processes, new demands, new changes. One practice that continuously is reformulated or evolving. People don't want to freeze religion in a given time or particular way. Unchanging, but practices will be fine-tuned depending on needs, material, social, etc. The practice is kept that it can be changed but the principles themselves are unchanging. Ex: Performing rituals on internet, considered okay. Performing rituals on TV and participating on the temple rituals in their bedroom or alter room.

Discuss the five scapes proposed by Appadurai.

Ethnoscape- The worlds of moving group of people and their cultural cross-pollination. Mediascape- Dissemination of information Technoscape- Global technological configurations. Finanscape- Distribution of global capital. Ideascape- Ideologies engendered due to globalization. These scapes are changing fast in the post global world. Often times they move in sync. Idea or ideology is able to spread in the global context because people have to back it up with their technoscape. Global cultural has become faster and more instantaneous.

Discuss the positive impact of globalization on the family structure in India.

Family structure is becoming more democratic. Patriarchy is still there but women and young adults are included in decision making processes. Women inclusion is definitely on the rise because of globalization.

Why is the development of Indian languages critical?

If the languages don't get modernized, the elite and masses are going to speak differently. Huge problem for any society. If the languages get modernized all segments of society can use the same language. Secondly, a modernized language speeds up the progress of industrialization and scientific outlook. Because the modernized language have words already in their language related to modernized practices. Need language to be modernized for scientific knowledge. Thirdly, learning for education policy has been a huge problem in India, because those who speak or are instructed in English or those using a language that is modernized, those new words don't make much sense to them coming from their home background. So, they can't understand and depend on cramming instead of mastering the subject. Huge barrier for positive learning outcomes in the Indian system

What is meant by the 'exo-normative' and 'endo-normative' view of English?

In ESL (Endo-normative), teaching English the norm is standard English of that country. EFL (Exo-normative) teaching the norm is English used outside that country.

How do Bollywood films deterritorialize and reconfigure India?

India has geographical boundaries and limits. But through films, they show a character living abroad and can do huge artistic leaps. They move back and forth between settings seamlessly, so they don't limit themselves by the geography of India. Can't completely ignore the geography of India, so in that sense they're creating endless ideas in India. Also, through creating films about issues that are hurting the masses. Through reconfiguring India, West is East--films deterritorialize and reconfigure India in an exercise in place making.

Why generalizations about 'Indian family' are nearly impossible?

Indian society consists of several societies within the nation state. Tamil family is different from Bengali family etc. There's a rural-urban divide, tribal, and non-tribal, Hindus and non-Hindus. No one concept of Indian family. Only very general definitions

Has technology helped only English or other (Indian) languages as well?

Initially, English was favored for the internet. Slowly, other languages started catching up with English and now the presence of Indian language content is fairly caught up with English. The trend is accelerated, the process is not over. More and more languages are wanting to put content on the internet.

What are the different 'circles' of English? Who coined the term?

It was coined by Braj Kachru. Inner circle- US, UK, Canada Australia, New Zealand. Outer circle- Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Malaysia, and Philippines. Expanding circle- China, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Turkey.

What is meant by the 'formula of hyphenization'?

It's a formula for new writers of English from India. Labeled as two cultural worlds: old and new, past and present. This is for the mixed authors: British Indian, Indian Americans, Indian Canadians. Alerts the readers of two worlds coming together.

Why do Bollywood films heavily rely on dream narratives and fantasyscapes?

It's portraying the 'inner world' of characters in foreign locations to situate the fantasy. If they were to do without a fantasy world, it takes a lot of liberties and it will become obscene, vulgar, and bypass legal restrictions. By labeling such scenes as "a dream," is to say that it doesn't actually happen in Indian culture. It pleases the audience by having revealing content, but it also allows films to bypass the restrictions by Indian films through this. There is a free flow of imagination which people love. Romantic poets in English literature, Keats, Shelley, the term used to describe, romantic poetry was described as willing suspension of disbelief, which applies here.

Distinguish between the macro level and the micro level identity politics?

Macro (national, sub-national, and group identities)- Religious, linguistic, tribal, caste, etc. Micro- How families and individuals adapt to and counter changes in environment and what sorts of politics such adaptations and challenges create- family, and changes in the family structure norms ideas, etc.

What is the main thrust of arguments in the post-colonial critique of nation and nationalism among writers of Indian novels in English?

Mainly, it is that though an independent nation was born, people didn't have full freedom. Definitely not economic freedom. Second, criminalization of politics. Rule breakers are trying to become rule makers. Can't expect much with this political and legislative process. The system is in favor of the rich and powerful. Not just economic, but judicial, and law and order system. Any system is in favor of rich and powerful or educated. The nation is not working in a very impartial way for the good of all its citizens, in a democratic matter. Some are becoming powerful, some have it easy, some have it hard.

Can the (Euro-American) transnational television be said to foster cultural imperialism?

Seems to have begun on that note. By now, it is fairly obvious that Indians are not on the receiving end of the cultural influences from Europe or America. Bringing authentic India into everything, so much so that Indian television channels are broadcasted in other countries. Or trans-national television is CNN broadcast in India. Policy makers and marketers and market makers are keeping an eye on that kind of content because product advertisement is becoming more and more focused. People will broadcast a European television show in India. But also vice versa. No danger. Influence is there but not leading to cultural imperialism.

Does Bollywood surpass Hollywood in terms of its global reach? Justify with numbers/ data.

Neck to neck in competition. Bollywood has more films than Hollywood, but Hollywood is more visible. Especially European counties. But competing very hard. Hollywood films popular in Europe. Masses are not able to enjoy Hollywood films in English because listening is hard to acquire, speaking is easier. So, for that reason not as popular in India. The viewers of Indian films is 3.4 billion, and viewers of Hollywood films is 1.6 billion. Films made in Bollywood is 1100, and made in Hollywood is 593. Hollywood films not as popular in India.

Should the language planners wait for a language to be developed first before it can be used in schools, colleges, and official communications?

No. The language becomes more modernized by being used between institutions, government etc. When languages are used in wider and newer contexts, it enriches the language and becomes more modernized.

What is a linguistic 'laissez faire' approach to language development? What is a meant by a 'normative' approach? Which one is better/more effective? Explain.

Normative approach- when a governmental body or institution or agency lays down norms that everybody has to use this language in this context or this way and this is acceptable, this is not. Vs. laissez faire- whatever most people do most of the time. What people do themselves, it's a fairly democratic process, the marketplace of the world, most people want to interact a certain way, it becomes a norm. Laissez faire is a democratic approach and seems to be better. No one feels prevailed upon. Laissez fair approach gives people their choice. In normative approach they are required to stick to a norm form government.

What have been the effects of English on the languages of India in the post-global phase (after 1990s)?

Now, there are two India's, elite and vernacular. This has also accentuated inequality in every sector: Business, education, economy, etc. There is a greater use of Indian English in various domains. There is a slow and secure encroachment of English into the domains of family and peers. Linguistic diversity has become even more extended: monolingual, bi/multilingual, bidialectal, and the mixed code.

What is meant by 'remittance economy'?

People from India travel abroad, long or short term-for livelihood, education, there not cutoff from the family they leave behind. Workers in middle eastern countries construction, nurses, household help, can't afford to take their family with them. Saving every penny from those foreign countries and sending it back to India for family. That money is used for the children's education, doctors wedding, and building a house. Remittance economy because now India has a much better economy post globalization. This remittances from abroad was a big part of Indians bettering economy.

Show how Bollywood films function as "bridge narratives"?

People who are in India who don't travel outside of India are infinitely curious of those traveling outside. They have left their country behind. They have this nostalgia to connect back with the culture and country. So, Bollywood films, have shooting in foreign country or land shows the foreign cultures to Indians in India. To India's who settle abroad, it shows the culture left behind in India. Helps connect the two groups--Indias in Indian between Indians traveling in US Uk, Canada

Differentiate between Pluralism, syncretism, and assimilation of identities?

Pluralism- Co-existence of distinctive identities Syncretism- Distinct identities creating a third one through mutual interaction. Ex: Sufism is considered to be practices of Hindus and Buddhists. Sikhism is also a result of Hinduism and Muslim in some instances. Assimilation- Merger or loss of a distinct identity.

What are the (linguistic) positive and negative effects of code mixing?

Positive- Linguistically, mixing code is enrichment of lexicon in Indian languages. Culturally, it allows modern ideas to enter into languages. By listening to more and more English words in modern, global practices, in the Indian languages these take whole in the Indian language as well. Negative- Pushing back affects to find new lexicon in Indian languages. Forcing hybrid languages. Long term harm to Indian languages.

What is meant by the 'purist' and 'pragmatist' approach to modernization of languages in India?

Purist- Reliance on internal resources. They want to either borrow words from Sanskrit, or some ancient classical form of the same language, true for Tamil. Don't want to go to another language or English, to enhance lexicon use. Pragmatists- Borrowing. It's better to just take the words with little or no adaptation. Just tweaking sound and shape of words. Don't think it's a problem to borrow English for modernization for their respective language

Why is writing in Indian traditions both revered and mistrusted?

Revered- the idea is that spoken form when written down leads to a material mortality. Anything that gets written, if the median is not bad, can last forever. Revered is anything that gets written down is material immortality. Believed only few important authors and people should be written down. A sacred process. Mistrusted- anybody can write down anything, anything can be misrepresented as well because of writing. Not everyone's own speeches need to be written down.

What is meant by the term nada?

Sound of any movement and any vibration in the world. In order to listen to that pre-mortal sound, need years of practice. Not just through the ear. Fully manifested primordial sound. Can do yoga or meditate. Those who learn music can listen to it only partly. Any movement or vibration, no matter how tiny creates sound. All vibrations are possible or a result.

Discuss the negative (at least from the traditional Indian point of view) impact of globalization on the family structure in India.

There is a rise of consumerism and materialism. People think, because of globalization, they have become primarily a consumer. The rise of individualism has attributed to a lot of social problems with the rise of social practices.

Why did Indian languages not get modernized like other European languages?

The distinction between progressive function and expressive function. Indians were taught traditional languages for the expressing function. Not progressive function like building something. Progressive functions were used in European languages, post-Renaissance Europe. Indian languages have just started being used for those functions. Indian languages never got a chance to serve as media in the areas of education, administration, law, science, technology, and international communication during the post-Renaissance period. Indian languages remained confined to humanities.

Define the term 'identity energization' with examples.

The groups who are not visible in the national discourse or who are on lower levels of hierarchies who don't have any social, economic, political power in India through television or film, are asserting their identity and aspiration through television or film. Especially scheduled tribes, make their presence felt on the television screen. The claim is their identity is when television becomes the most powerful tool to energize the marginalized groups. Economically marginalized, etc. groups. Assert their identity so don't need to feel neglected or ignored. This is reinforced by the internet.

What is the difference between learning English as a second language (ESL) and as a foreign language (EFL)?

The methodology of teaching and learning (ESL) and (EFL) are very different. People come from all around the world to learn English as an ESL. Whatever is in the classroom is also outside the classroom. But, when you're learning English in your own respective countries where English is not the official language or spoken by one and all, the teaching methodology is different. They need it for classes but not necessarily outside. The norm is different. Those learning English as a second language is Endocentric. But in EFL the norm is Exocentric. Those can be learning Canadian English or different Englishes. They'll be learning English, but the norm is always outside the country.

What is meant by "Long distance nationalism?"

Those who try to assert themselves with the politics of the country they left behind. Diasporic attachments to the homeland.

How did modern India's founding fathers plan to resolve conflicts inherent in a diverse society?

Through means of democracy. People understood that everything coexists, but as long as conflicts are resolved through democracies, that's okay. People in a sense committed. There was a clear place for democracy and non-violence.

Who is supposed to be responsible for maintaining indigenous mother tongues of India?

Uneducated Indian's who can't do without the languages and don't know any or much English. The peasant. The educated Indian's don't feel that responsibility.

What are the twin goals of language planning and development in India?

Want to limit the role of English, simultaneously enhance the function of Indian language by government and institutions. Long term goal is to replace and stop English from negatively impacting Indian languages.

Do Bollywood films challenge the taken for granted notions of "India"? How?

Yes, because everybody there is a traditional image of what India is. Bollywood film makers feel free to look at a country or culture with a fresh perspective. Traditionalists may say everything is fine with India, and gloss over the problems or shortcomings. But a Bollywood filmmaker would make a film on issues hurting the masses: violence, rape, inequality. Films in 70s and 80s were mostly about problems, the unjust system, especially law and order system. They do challenge the taken for granted notions of India.

Do you agree with the statement that "Globalization has impacted India's economy and consumption patterns but the primary determinants of changes in India's identity politics remain domestic?"

Yes, because everything is related to political process. Any country in any culture, all politics is always local. Has to relate to local issues first.

For poor indebted peasants, writing is not a means of enlightenment but of oppressive mystification. Do you agree? Why?

Yes. Farmers and peasants in India were kept entrapped by a piece of paper. Given their life away to the debtor, because the person says they agree to these terms but didn't understand what they agreed to. Peasants and farmers even today, feel afraid of written document. Made to give their life away on paper.