LINGUISTIC SITUATION AS THE DEVELOPMENT FACTOR OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEXICOGRAPHY IN INDIA: POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

Abstract

This paper investigates language situation (LS) of the post-colonial India in comparison with the pre-colonial and colonial ones. Special attention is paid to the process and the results of the English language incorporation into this situation. Application of the socio-linguistic methodology aimed at the elucidation of quantitative, qualitative, and evaluative parameters of the LS revealed that local languages maintained their traditional positions while English showed changes in every parameter. By quantitative parameter, substantial demographic changes, mainly the determinant increase of the English language users, are observed. English is used not only by the British and citizens of other English speaking countries residing in India but also by the speakers of local languages. The latter group acquires English for multiple reasons both economic, social, and political. Currently, a substantial part of the population in India claims to have a sufficient level of English that entails qualitative changes in the LS. By the qualitative parameter, the LS is characterized by both exo- and endoglossic features and varies substantially depending on the geographical, political and social factors. The key attribute of the LS is diglossia. In this diglossic situation the level of the English language competence and the spheres it is used in correlate with the way the language is acquired. In India, the majority of the population acquires English through the system of education and it is mostly used in administrative, juridical, and business spheres. By the evaluative parameter, positions of English have been growing stronger since 1950 when it got constitutional status and particularly since 1963 amendment adoption that allowed English to be used indefinitely until legislation changes. Thus, English has become a notable component of the LS of the country. The changes in the language situation in the post-colonial period lead to the development of the local variety, Indian English, that is awaiting its comprehensive lexicographic description.