Ever since the early seventeenth century, when the British East India Company established

trading posts in the East Indies and throughout Southern Asia, English has been used widely
throughout the region in a number of countries that would rise from the ashes of former Imperial
colonies.
So it should come as no surprise that over the intervening centuries, the language has quickly
gained importance in the fields of economy, industry, education, as well as in India’s political
and social life – particularly among more well-to-do families.
Consequently, the English language became one of 22 official languages of India. 
At least 400 total languages and hundreds more dialects are spoken throughout the subcontinent.

In the midst of such linguistic variety, as it often does elsewhere on Earth, English serves as a
medium to unite people who do not share the same regional mother tongue. As mentioned above,
the English language plays a pivotal role in administration, international communication and its
usage enables a much higher degree of technological and scientific progress.

What is Indian English?

The English spoken on the Indian subcontinent has some distinctive characteristics that set it
apart from other international varieties of English such as RP (Received Pronunciation) and GA
(General American) – better known as British and American English.
These differences arose as a result of a long period during which English was in constant contact
with languages spoken natively in India. That period is ongoing. As a result, the variety of
English spoken on the subcontinent is frequently called Indian English.
 

Differences in vocabulary

When it comes to words, English spoken in India has been under the very strong influences of
the native languages of the subcontinent, which is reflected in its lexicon.
Many words from Indian native languages have been introduced into the global English language
spoken worldwide; some notable examples being jungle, bungalow, punch, shawl, and veranda.
And just as is true with American and British English, there are some words which are unique to
speakers from India and instances of misunderstanding are not uncommon. Two examples of
Indian English words that non-Indian English speakers probably never encounter include
“airdash” which is used for someone who is in a hurry, and “badmash”, another word for a
hooligan.
Sometimes, speakers of English in India add a new level of meaning to existing words.
For instance, if a person wears a “hi-tech outfit”, it does not mean that they are equipped with the
latest digital gadgets. Instead, a hi-tech outfit stands for fashionable and modern and that follows
the latest trends. In other cases, words from the local dialects and languages make their way into
Indian English – words that would be unintelligible to no-speakers. Sometimes these words
replace the English entirely.
If you hear “achchaain” the middle of a conversation led in English, do not be surprised. It only
means good.
 

Differences in pronunciation

Differences in vocabulary are not the only characteristics that make common communication
more difficult between speakers of Indian English and speakers of other forms of English, certain
differences in pronunciation further set these styles apart.
Speakers of English in India do not make any difference when it comes to the sound /v/, which is
produced using one’s lower lips and top teeth; and sound /w/ in the production of which both lips
are used. Also, the two”th” sounds /θ/ and /ð/ are usually replaced by /d/ and /t/.
/ə/ and /ʌ/ most commonly disregarded and replaced by the vowel /a/.
Another characteristic of the sounds used by speakers of English in India is the replacement of
two adjacent vowels by a single long vowel followed by /r/sound. So beer becomes /bir/ and pear
is pronounced as /per/.

Conclusion

Wherever in the world English goes, it is influenced by the local languages. It borrows from
other tongues, absorbing and using certain vocabulary. Meaning changes, grammar changes –
everything changes.
Indian English spoken throughout the Subcontinent is vibrant, varies from region to region, and
follows its own rules of development. The various dialects of English spoken even within the
country underscore the unique languages and cultures of the people who speak them.