HINDI DIWAS FORTNIGHT

HINDI DIWAS FORTNIGHT

10-SEP-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------The English word 'shampoo' is derived from the 18th century Hindi word 'champo' which means to massage the head/hair - Atul Prakash

Influence of Hindi on English: English is the most universal language and has been enriched by languages ​​from around the world since the era of colonialism. The British relationship with India began in the early 17th century with the first visit of the East India Company in 1601, which eventually resulted in the Company taking control of India from 1757 to 1858. This rule then passed to the Crown and continued until India's independence in 1947. As a result of this long period, India adopted English as its official language after independence and many Indian languages ​​left their influence on English. When two cultures are in contact with each other for a long time, their languages ​​start influencing each other and words from one language get absorbed in the other language. This assimilation may be with pronunciation similar to the donor language or with distorted pronunciation depending on the pronunciation range of the recipient language.

Some of the Hindi or Indian language words that have entered English: Although this list runs into hundreds, below are some common words that have their origins in Hindi or Indian languages.

Avatar - Sanskrit for 'incarnation'. Traditionally used for the 'incarnations' on earth of the Hindu god 'Vishnu', it is also used for a 'new form' assumed by a person. The meaning is the same in English, although the word has become more popular with the advent of the web in the form of online 'avatars'. Guru - Sanskrit for 'teacher' since the time of the Vedas. However, in English it more often means an 'expert' in a subject. Pandit - Hindi for 'scholar'. In India, 'Pandit' is a high title for a person who has achieved great heights in some field related to intellect or fine arts. It also means 'priest'. Mantra - 'Mantra' or 'Jap' in Sanskrit. In India, mantras are believed to have special powers and are prescribed as remedies for solving spiritual problems. In English it means a statement or slogan repeated over and over again that is a sure cure for a particular problem. Juggernaut - The English word means 'a huge, strong and unstoppable force'. It is derived from the name of Lord Vishnu - Jagannath. The Jagannath temple in Puri, eastern India has an annual festival where devotees pull a huge chariot with ropes carrying the Lord. In the old days (and during the days of the British Raj) the religious fervour was so high that sometimes devotees were crushed under the chariot, but it could not be stopped and was not stopped. Hence the etymology. Khaki - First used as a colour in 1848, khaki was considered as a camouflage colour for desert warfare. The word 'khaak' in Hindi means 'ashes' or 'mud'. Shampoo - Yes, the word is derived from the 18th century Hindi word 'champo' which means to massage into the head/hair. Loot - From Guru - Loot, which in Hindi means, you guessed it - loot! Thug - Derived from the Hindi word 'thug'. Thugs were organised robbers and killers in India. Notoriously secretive and efficient, they would strangle passersby with their feet while hanging from trees on jungle paths. They would also use yellow scarves with a coin tied in the middle to quickly strangle their victims. Magar - 'crocodile' in Hindi. Crocodiles are adept at ambushing, hence the same meaning in English. Dacoit - From the Hindi word 'dacoit' which means 'robber' of course! Chutney - 'Chutney' is one of the most commonly used cooking ingredients in India. A mixture of spices and seasonings, used as a sauce or accompaniment to a particular dish or to many dishes at once. Chutney is also anglicized. Pucca - In English it means 'first class' or 'excellent'. It is derived from the Hindi word 'pakka' which means 'ripe', 'cooked' or 'ready', i.e. ready to eat. Jute - The native word jute is derived from the Bengali word 'jatho' which means tangled or braided cloth or hair. Jute is also anglicized. Bungalow - From the Hindi word 'bangala'. Houses built in the 'Bengali' style in India were called 'bangala'. Bandana - Comes from the Hindi word 'bandhan' meaning 'to bind'. Punch - (e.g. fruit punch) - Comes from the Hindi word 'paanch' meaning 'five'. The original five ingredients of this drink were: spirit, water, lemon juice, sugar and spice. Pajamas - Comes from the Hindi word 'paijama' meaning 'footwear'