Indian English Oddities (And Ways to Fix Them) - Style

Indian English is employed by Indian writers, writers of Indian origin or English writers influenced by Indians speaking in English. This quirky mode of communication has slowly spread its roots across the world, making it an unapologetic language by which to get your five cents er…rupees... across. However, when you isolate the global audience, not all of whom are aware of the subtleties of Indian English, it could mean loss of precious business. 

Here’s how to peel off the Indian English facade and flawlessly communicate with your target audience by watching out for these peculiarities. This post is broken down into three parts: Style, Word Choice and Grammar. Let's start with the first part.

STYLE

1. Emphasis: Indian English style uses certain techniques for emphasis.

o Reflexive Pronouns:  He only wrote that. (He himself wrote that). Myself, Jane; this is my friend Sheila. (I’m Jane and this is my friend Sheila.)

o Modifiers: I will do it now only. (I will do it right now.)

o Capping Common Nouns: Sean Wrote Scripts and Participated in Reality Shows.

2. Swaps & Switches:

o Word Order Variations: He does this always. (He always does this). I wonder where does he work. (I wonder where he works.)

o Questions: Look for unexpected precedents. You didn’t come for the show? Yes, I didn’t. (No I didn’t) You said you would do the job, isn't it? (didn’t you?)

3. Respect:

o Courtesy titles: Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Master - Reserve these titles for people with high authority, formal situations or to specify marital status or gender.

o Salutations: Yours respectfully,  (Yours sincerely [based on relationship with this person]) Dear sir/madam (Dear Jake/Gillian)

4. Curtness and Lack of Awareness

o  Overlooking global language, cultural and seasonal differences: Examples: Holi (the Indian festival of colors), Winter, board exams. Unless you live in India, you won't know exactly what these are referring to. Provide references if the material must remain for contextual reasons. If it is not required, alter it to introduce commonality.

o  Short sentences: Short sentences without explanations or examples may seem curt. (Trying to make a point here!)

In conclusion, a fresh pair of eyes reading your work is your best bet. Hire a good editor. If you've been thinking about doing this, you're in luck. I just so happen to be one. If you want to work with me, simply drop me a mail at infanciac AT hotmail.com.