A single language gets molded and twisted in different and distinct ways. When we look at the languages, their history, and the standard version being used lately, all of these have come a long way. There are a lot of differences and the languages have evolved from what they used to be initially. A language is always evolving. One language belonging to a single country often has evolved into different variants and versions. For instance, Chinese, despite being the world’s most spoken language, has its modern and simplified version other than Mandarin.
English, being an important member of the Indo-European languages, has been twisted and molded the most. Other than its two main variants, such as US English and British English, it has hundreds of variants and dialects that vary from country to country. Hinglish is one such variant. It has a playful mix of Hindi and English which they speak in India. This also often creates challenges for the translators while working on English and Hindi translation services. This variant of the English language has also impacted the overall translation landscape in the region.
Understanding Hinglish
Before we proceed further, understanding the language and its fusion can help with better understanding.
Historical background
Hindi is one of the very old languages with a rich history. It has also been impacted by several foreign linguistic influences. The interactions and contact with languages such as Sanskrit, Prakrit, Persian, Arabic, Urdu, and Turkic language had made this language a language of fusions. Also, there are a few historic fusions including Rekhta and Hindustani. Linguistic fusions are encouraged by the experts and also condemned by a few others who like the language the way it is. However, the Bhakti poets had this tradition of celebrating linguistic fusions.
It was back in the 18th century with the British rule in the continent and the rising dominance of the East India Company that English made its way to India. The colonized India took great pride in speaking and accepting English as a symbol of authority and power. The British rule and interference in the political scenarios also made the English language part of the legal proceedings and in science and medicine studies, making it a household language. This further led to the promotion of the language with the native speakers of Hindi who started to learn and speak this language where needed paving the way to make what we call Hinglish today.
A fusion for everyday communication
Hinglish is not slang as most people assume. It is a hybrid version that includes the use of Indian English fused with the Hindustani language. The name is a portmanteau. A portmanteau in linguistics is a word that indicates a lexical blend. Millions of Indians speak this in their daily life, particularly millennials and Gen Z. It usually offers a blend of Hindi grammar with English vocabulary which creates a conversational and humorous style.
Here are some examples:
- He is a time-pass guy.
- When is the party scene?
- Let’s go for a Chai break.
The rise of digital communication
With digital communication becoming common, the profound impact of social media and online messaging in the informal way of writing and communication has also accelerated the popularity of the Hinglish version. People can express their sentiments quickly also reflecting the different and dynamic nature of all these social and online interactions.
Challenges for Translators
With the formation of new variants, the challenges often increase for translators and translation agencies. Therefore, a professional language translation company should always work with native speakers.
Maintaining authenticity & accuracy
The first and foremost challenge that makes translators stumble in translating Hinglish is maintaining authenticity as well as accuracy. Translation of the Hinglish content often requires a delicate balance. Translating it word for word or literal translation often becomes a reason that leads to the loss of the essence of Hinglish expressions. Hence, the point is to preserve the original intent and crisp of the text as translating freely often makes the content divert from the intended meanings.
Therefore, the translators need to be native speakers from a Hindi language translation company to produce accurate translations. Balancing authenticity and accuracy is the foremost concern of people while translating to and from Hinglish.
Capturing cultural nuances
Cultural nuances are an inseparable part of the Hinglish. Every language translation including Hindi translation services relies on cultural references and wordplay that is specific to the Indian context. The translator needs to understand that these nuances should be appropriate and relevant culturally. This should also resonate with the cultural implications of the target audience. However, many of them are not aware of the relevant cultural references bringing complications to the translation, and this often poses challenges for the translation agencies as well.
Conclusion
Hinglish is an important variant of the English language that belongs to the Indian subcontinent. It is a fusion of Hindi and English. English made its way into the subcontinent during the 18th century and there has been no looking back since then. However, such variants often pose great challenges for translators. Therefore, it is imperative to only opt for the local translation company for accurate translations.
