How Mocking Non-English Speakers in India Fuels Social Inequality?

The Unspoken Bias: How Mocking Non-English Speakers in India Reinforces Social Inequality

In India, a country rich with cultural and linguistic diversity, English has long held a privileged position. While the country boasts 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of dialects, English is often seen as the language of upward mobility, education, and prestige. This perception, however, comes with an unfortunate consequence: people who cannot speak English, or speak it imperfectly, are often ridiculed or looked down upon. The practice of mocking individuals for not knowing English reinforces social inequalities, undermines personal dignity, and perpetuates a colonial mindset. This article explores the origins of this bias, its harmful effects, and why it is crucial to stop making fun of those who do not speak English fluently.

Historical Roots: The Colonial Legacy of English

The elevation of English in India has deep roots in the country’s colonial history. The British Empire introduced English as the medium of administration, education, and governance in the 19th century. English became synonymous with power, authority, and privilege, while indigenous languages were relegated to a secondary status. This shift created a social divide that favored those who had access to English education and opportunities, marginalizing the vast majority of Indians who did not.

The introduction of English was justified under the pretext of modernization and development. British officials like Lord Macaulay, in his infamous “Minute on Education” (1835), argued that English would create a class of Indians who were “English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect.” This class was meant to serve as intermediaries between the British rulers and the Indian masses, facilitating colonial control while perpetuating the idea that English was superior to Indian languages.

Even after independence in 1947, English retained its dominant position in India. It continued to be the language of government, business, higher education, and elite social circles. While the country promoted Hindi as a national language, English remained indispensable for accessing opportunities in the globalized world. This left non-English speakers, particularly those from rural and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, at a disadvantage—a legacy of colonialism that still reverberates today.

Social Implications: English as a Marker of Class and Privilege

In contemporary India, English functions as a powerful social marker. Proficiency in English often correlates with access to better education, employment opportunities, and higher social status. As a result, those who lack English fluency are frequently judged as uneducated, uncultured, or incompetent, regardless of their abilities in other areas. This has led to a pervasive culture of mockery and ridicule, where people who struggle with English pronunciation or grammar are made fun of, even in professional settings.

Mocking non-English speakers is not just about language; it is about reinforcing social hierarchies. Those fluent in English, often from urban, educated, and upper-middle-class backgrounds, use language as a tool to assert their superiority over others. In a country where caste, class, and regional identities already create divisions, the ability to speak English adds another layer of discrimination.

For instance, in workplaces across India, employees who speak fluent English are often seen as more competent and capable, regardless of their actual performance. In contrast, those who may be skilled but lack fluency in English are overlooked for promotions or leadership positions. This bias is particularly evident in industries like information technology, finance, and media, where English proficiency is often conflated with intelligence or professional ability.

The culture of ridiculing non-English speakers also extends to everyday social interactions. From classrooms to social gatherings, people who speak English with a regional accent or make grammatical errors are often subjected to ridicule, especially by peers who have had the privilege of an English-medium education. This not only affects the individual’s self-esteem but also perpetuates feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

Psychological Impact: The Inferiority Complex

The mockery of non-English speakers can have profound psychological effects, creating an inferiority complex among those who do not speak the language fluently. When people are constantly belittled for their inability to speak English, they begin to internalize the notion that they are less capable or worthy than their English-speaking counterparts. This can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and a loss of confidence.

For many Indians, particularly those from rural areas or lower-income backgrounds, the pressure to speak English fluently can be overwhelming. In a society where English is equated with success, not knowing the language often results in social exclusion and stigmatization. This is particularly harmful in educational settings, where students who struggle with English may be ridiculed by peers or even teachers, further alienating them from academic success.

The impact of this language-based discrimination is most evident in India’s job market. Many job interviews and corporate communications are conducted in English, making it a barrier for otherwise qualified candidates. As a result, talented individuals are often passed over for jobs or promotions simply because they do not meet the arbitrary standard of English fluency. This perpetuates a cycle of inequality, where non-English speakers are denied access to the very opportunities that could improve their socioeconomic status.

Moreover, the inferiority complex created by English language discrimination can have long-term mental health consequences. People who are consistently mocked or belittled for their language skills may experience anxiety, depression, and a fear of social interaction. This can also lead to a reluctance to engage in learning environments, further hindering their personal and professional growth.

The Myth of Intelligence and English Fluency

One of the most damaging aspects of mocking non-English speakers is the false equivalence between English fluency and intelligence. In reality, language proficiency has little to do with an individual’s intellectual capacity or competence. English is merely a tool of communication, and someone’s inability to speak it fluently does not diminish their knowledge, skills, or creativity.

For instance, many of India’s greatest historical figures—such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Bhagat Singh—were not primarily English speakers. Yet, their contributions to the nation’s freedom struggle, literature, and social reform are unparalleled. Similarly, millions of Indians who contribute to the economy, society, and culture do so without English fluency.

Unfortunately, this myth persists in modern India, where English continues to be viewed as a measure of intelligence and sophistication. This is especially evident in elite educational institutions, where students from non-English-speaking backgrounds often face prejudice and discrimination. Despite their hard work and talent, they are seen as less capable simply because they struggle with a language that was imposed on India during colonial rule.

Breaking the Cycle: Promoting Linguistic Inclusivity

To address the issue of mocking non-English speakers in India, it is essential to promote linguistic inclusivity and celebrate the country’s rich diversity of languages. Instead of ridiculing individuals for their lack of English fluency, society must recognize and value proficiency in India’s indigenous languages. This requires a shift in mindset, where language is no longer seen as a marker of superiority but as a tool for communication and cultural expression.

One way to achieve this is through education. Schools and universities must create environments where all languages are respected and valued. Students should be encouraged to learn English, but not at the cost of demeaning their mother tongues. Educational institutions can also promote bilingual or multilingual programs that equip students with language skills without undermining their confidence in their native languages.

At a societal level, breaking the association between English and intelligence is crucial. Employers, media, and policymakers need to recognize that English fluency is not a definitive marker of capability. By embracing India’s linguistic diversity and creating inclusive environments, they can help dismantle the hierarchy that English has created in the country.

Conclusion

Mocking non-English speakers in India reflects deeper social inequalities that have their roots in colonial history. This practice reinforces class, caste, and regional divisions, while perpetuating a damaging inferiority complex among non-English speakers. As a society, India must move away from this bias and work towards linguistic inclusivity, celebrating the country’s diversity rather than using language as a tool for discrimination. Language should be a bridge that connects people, not a barrier that divides them.