English, Ecology and Culture:
Interconnections in Mysore
Nisha
A K
PhD Research Scholar
Department of English
Tumkur University
Tumkur, Karnataka, India
&
Dr. Monbinder
Kaur
Associate Professor
Department of English
Tumkur, Karnataka, India
Abstract: This paper attempts to explore the intricate
relationships between English language, ecology, and cultural diversity within
the context of Mysore, a city renowned for its rich heritage and biodiversity.
By examining how the region's unique ecological landscape influences linguistic
practices and cultural traditions, this study aims to unearth the symbiotic
connections that sustain Mysore's vibrant cultural mosaic. Language influences
our perception and understanding of the natural world. It shapes our environmental
values and beliefs. It encodes traditional ecological knowledge and cultural
practices. Ecology supports linguistic and cultural diversity through the
ecosystem. It provides a shared context for human experience and cultural
expression. Ecology inspires language and cultural innovation. Cultural
diversity depends on linguistic diversity for its expression and transmission.
It enriches ecological understanding through diverse perspectives and knowledge
systems. It enhances ecosystem resilience through diverse cultural practices.
The fertile soil and favourable climate of Mysore have made agriculture a
crucial part of the local economy, leading to the integration of agricultural
terms into English language. The region's ecology has inspired a rich tradition
of folklore, with legends featuring natural elements. This folklore has
influenced linguistic practices, resulting in idioms and phrases derived from
these stories being incorporated into English. The ecological landscape of
Mysore has fostered a vibrant tradition of arts and crafts, enriching
linguistic practices. Expressions related to the region's unique crafts and
artistry have been added to the language. In conclusion, the interrelation
between English language, cultural diversity, and ecology in Mysore is
intricately interwoven.
Keywords: English language, Ecology, Cultural
diversity, Mysore, Biodiversity
Introduction:
English has become the global lingua
franca (Kachru, 1998) dominating international business, Science,
Technology, and education. This can facilitate communication across cultures.
The influence of the English language in Mysore (officially renamed Mysuru),
located in the southern part of India, in the state of Karnataka can be traced back to the British colonial
period. During British rule, English became the dominant language in
administration, education, and law, and it has maintained its significance in
these domains even after India gained independence. Over time, English has
merged with local languages like Kannada, leading to widespread bilingualism,
where people often switch between English and Kannada in conversation. While
English is typically used in professional settings, Kannada remains the
language of choice at home, reflecting the region's deep-rooted cultural
identity. In Mysore, English serves as a primary
medium of instruction in schools and higher education institutions. Numerous
private schools and colleges primarily offer education in English, which is
regarded as a pathway to enhanced career prospects. English facilitates access
to global knowledge, scientific literature, and educational resources that may
not be readily available in regional languages, making it indispensable for
students aiming to pursue advanced studies in technology, science, and international
business. In Mysore, proficiency in English is frequently associated with
improved job opportunities in IT sectors, tourism, education, and business.
English is crucial for communication within multinational companies. As a
tourist destination, Mysore benefits from the use of English in hotels and
tourist guides, making it easier for international visitors to explore the
city.
Literature review:
English language in Mysore serves as the
primary gateway to the modern world, acting as a medium for promoting
modernization and futuristic values. One of the most widely spoken languages,
English has become a common global means of communication. The impact of
English language on present and future developments hinges on the ability of
educators to effectively teach and apply it in everyday situations.
English language plays a pivotal role in
advancing education in many countries, a medium for teaching and learning
(Ullaywi,2023), a conduit for ideas and knowledge, helping to broaden
perspectives, fostering connections between different cultures. A unique and
enduring language, English requires qualified educators to ensure its continued
relevance and vitality.
The international business community relies
on English for communication. The importance of entrepreneurship, the key
element of economic growth has attracted many women entrepreneurs in Mysore
having had to balance their personal lives with the demands and risks of
entrepreneurship (Mallika et al.,2014).Their proficiency in English has been
instrumental in helping them navigate and maintain the balance.
Code-switching is the trademark of
communication in linguistically diverse communities, occurring at various
linguistic levels, including words, morphemes, sentences, and discourse
(Mahalakshmi Prasad et al., 2011). Linguists have offered different
perspectives on code-switching, with some viewing it as inevitable in
multilingual environments. Children shift their code, particularly at home with parents or siblings.
Switching between languages based on reasoning and contextual requirements,
such as the participants and the topics of conversation. Code-switching is
observed in the speech of Kannada communicators in Mysore. Despite the mother
tongue being their base language, children are exposed to multiple languages
due to the multilingual environment of their neighbourhood and schools. The
speech samples revealed instances of code-switching, especially when the
children described categories like vegetables, furniture, verbs, and colours.
Kannada, being a morphologically rich language (Myers-Scotton, 1993), serves as
the base language study, providing evidence that even at an early age, children
can adeptly switch linguistic codes from different languages depending on the
context.
In linguistics, typology refers to the
classification of the world’s languages based on their structural similarities
and differences. The goal of such an analysis is to identify patterns and
propose generalizations based on the findings (Kashyap, 2019).
Scholars were interested in more intriguing
interrogations to comprehend the assortment of languages, which led to an
investigation of genetic relationships among languages. This gave rise to
evaluation of linguistic construction across dialects, leading to the
development of language typology (Kashyap, 2019), emerging as a method to
explore genetic relationships among languages, classifying them into different
groups based on their genetic origins and linguistic structures. With
advancements in Systemic Functional Linguistics, inconsistencies in the
traditional categories at various levels were noticed. SFL typologists have
shifted to changing the traditional order to classify languages (Matthiessen,
2004).
The findings of typological studies are
crucial for understanding the linguistic factors, achieved through the
description, comparison, and analysis of different languages. While
first-person pronouns in most languages, including English, typically do not
indicate gender or honorific levels, there is considerable variation in second-
and third-person pronouns in Bajjika. English, on the other hand uses only a
single pronoun, "you” irrespective of the position of the addressee. An
English speaker with limited exposure to the complexities of other languages
may find it difficult to grasp the morphological intricacies of languages like
Bajjika (Kashyap, 2019).
Documented
information is that several established settlements eventually developed into
major current countries, English developing
into a dominant language, to be used in new environments. Distinct national and
regional varieties of English started to emerge. These varieties became
established as separate forms, such as American English Australian English and
Canadian English (Parasher, 1983).
In regions like South Asia, where British colonization was characterized
by military dominance and economic exploitation, the linguistic effects were
notably different. In India, a rich cultural and linguistic tradition was
already in place, requiring English to coexist with native languages. Through
interaction with local languages and contexts, a distinct localized variety of
English, known as Indian English emerged. This non-native form developed
through adaptation to its surroundings.
Over past two centuries, description of Indian English has seen
significant developments, particularly in areas such as phonology,
lexicogrammar, and pragmatics (Kashyap, 2014). English in India, first
introduced after independence, has spurred the study of various aspects of the
language. Despite common perceptions, detailed linguistic descriptions, beyond
social aspects, remain relatively scarce. While much of the 20th-century
research focused on identifying features through impressionistic or small-scale
data, recent studies have shifted towards corpus-based and quantitative
analyses, highlighting how evolution of English usage in India has influenced
attitudes toward its linguistic description, encouraging investigation by
posing essential questions that still need to be addressed.
The coexistence of English and Indian languages in India has fostered
both linguistic innovation and cultural tensions, shaping Indian English into a
distinct variety that reflects both colonial legacies and contemporary identity
politics. Some scholars argue that the spread of English has primarily
endangered indigenous languages and diluted cultural identities. While this is
a valid concern, the emergence of Indian English as a localized variety has
allowed Indian speakers to assert their identities within a global framework. This
dynamic is particularly evident in regions like Mysore, where English was
imposed as a part of British colonial rule but has since undergone significant
indigenization.
In
Mysore, a city known for its rich history of cultural and linguistic diversity,
English coexists with Kannada and other regional languages. Indian English, as
spoken in Mysore, is not merely a replica of British English; it incorporates
distinct features from Kannada and other local languages, shaping a variety
that reflects the region's unique postcolonial identity. The influence of
Kannada syntax, phonology, and vocabulary can be seen in the way English is
spoken in Mysore, contributing to the development of a localized Indian
English. The rise of Indian English in Mysore, symbolizes both the continuity
of colonial legacies and a powerful assertion of local identity, as the people
of Mysore navigate the demands of globalization while preserving their cultural
heritage.
Agriculture
has a major role in Mysore's economy, and terms like Ragi, Jowar, curry leaves,
Mysore betel leaves and Areca nut related to agriculture have found their way
into the English language, from Kannada, which is widely spoken in Mysore.
Mysore Mallige, the jasmine variety native to
Mysore is recognized in horticultural and cultural contexts (Manjunatha &
Basavarajappa, 2022).These terms reflect the unique agricultural and cultural
identity of Mysore and its influence on the language and practices beyond the
region. Nanjangud Banana, a specific variety of banana grown
in the Nanjangud area in Mysore district is recognized in English, especially
in the context of geographical indications and specialty produce. Avarekai, a
legume that is an integral part of Mysore's agriculture and cuisine is derived
from Kannada and is used in English, particularly in the context of South
Indian cooking, reflecting the influence of regional agriculture on the English
language, particularly in Mysore where traditional crops play a significant
role in daily life and culture.
Themes from Kannada folklore such as stories
of local deities, moral tales, or folk heroes have been reinterpreted in
English literature, introducing English readers to Kannada cultural concepts
and leading to the adoption of specific phrases or terms.
The Tiger and the Woodcutter -
A popular Kannada folktale about a clever
woodcutter who outwits a tiger has been translated into English and included in
various collections of Indian folktales. It's a classic example of wit and
wisdom found in Kannada folklore. A Flowering Tree, a Kannada folktale
that A K Ramanujan, a native of Mysore, translated into English, reflects the
cultural ethos and oral storytelling traditions of the Kannada-speaking people
(Ramanujan A K, 1999). Proverbs and sayings related to farming, weather
patterns, and the natural world are common in the local language. It reflects
the community's deep understanding of the environment and the seasonal cycles
that govern their lives.
Mysore, a part of the Deccan Plateau, with a
rich geographical, cultural, and ecological context, is
characterized by undulating terrain, with the Chamundi Hills to the southeast
being a prominent geographical feature. Mysore experiences a tropical savanna
climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. It enjoys moderate temperatures
year-round. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings the majority of
the city's rainfall, contributing to its lush greenery (Yazdani, 2017).Situated in a unique environment; Mysore is
traversed by Cauvery, which is South India’s major river, providing essential
water resources for agriculture and daily life. The region is home to the
Krishnarajasagara Dam and the Kabini, one of the tributaries of Cauvery, both
of which are significant reservoirs that irrigate the fertile agricultural
lands, supporting a large population. Several lakes and tanks,
such as the Kukkarahalli Lake and the Lingambudhi Lake, are important
ecological features within the district, supporting local biodiversity and
serving as recreational spaces, contributing to a healthy climate for its residents. (Rajashekara et
al., 2009) These lakes are currently under threat due to population pressure
and rapid urbanization.
Mysore has a storied history ruled by
Wodeyars for several centuries. This historical legacy has deeply influenced
its cultural identity. Known for its palaces, including the famous Mysore
Palace, which showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture, it serves as a symbol of
royal heritage (Sampath, V., 2008). Mysore has been a hub of literary activity,
producing many renowned writers and poets who have contributed significantly to
Kannada literature. Many of these works have been translated into English
language. The Dasara festival, a ten-day celebration marked by grand
processions, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies is one of the most
important cultural events in Karnataka and attracts visitors from across the
country.
Mysore known for its traditional
arts, including classical music and dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and
Carnatic music, is
home to several cultural institutions, such as the Mysore University,
established in 1916, and the Mysore School of Art, paved way for intellectual
and cultural development. Mysore is surrounded by rich natural
ecosystems, including forests, hills, and wetlands, which support a wide
variety of flora and fauna
(Gowda, et al., 2010). The nearby Bandipur National Park and
Nagarahole National Park are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, known for
their tiger populations and diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards,
and a wide array of bird species. Despite urbanization, Mysore has managed to
maintain green spaces and ecological zones within the city. Parks like
Brindavan Gardens and lakes like Kukkarahalli, Karanji, Lingambudhi lakes play
a crucial role in urban biodiversity conservation. The tradition of sustainable
practices, such as rainwater harvesting and waste management, essential for
maintaining ecological balance is a mark of the region.
English
serves as a common language among diverse cultural groups in Mysore,
facilitating communication and understanding. This is particularly important in
a multilingual city where Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and other languages are
spoken. Educational institutions in Mysore using English as the medium of
instruction, help students connect with global cultures and ideas, enabling
them to appreciate and integrate different cultural practices, promoting
cultural diversity.
English
is the primary language for scientific research and publications. In Mysore, environmental
research and findings related to the local ecosystem, such as studies on the
Western Ghats, are often disseminated in English, helping in sharing knowledge
with a global audience, connecting Mysore's ecological issues with broader
environmental movements. Environmental NGOs and activists in Mysore using
English to spread awareness about ecological issues, reach a wider audience,
including tourists and international communities, and collaborate with global
environmental networks. Local organizations can educate visitors about the
ecological significance of the region, such as the protection of Chamundi Hill
and the Mysore Zoo.
English
enables the discussion of cultural ecology, where the relationship between
cultural practices and the environment is explored. In Mysore, traditional
practices are deeply connected to the local ecosystem, such as the rituals of
the Dasara festival. The king of Mysore's visit to the Banni Mandapa, home to
the sacred Banni tree, symbolized the peace he brought following his victory,
which held spiritual significance. The tree was revered as sacred, with the
legend of Rāma circumambulating it during his search for Sita and ultimately
rescuing Sita. King's appearance at Banni Mantapa, is an act of thanksgiving to
the goddess after the battle. Receiving Banni leaves signified the
establishment of peace, and their distribution among nobles and officials
symbolized the sharing of power and harmony. The festival encompassed festivity
of triumph, tranquility, devotion and gratitude, reflecting a pious feeling.
(Rao, N., 2022)
English
facilitates intercultural and interdisciplinary research collaborations, being
used to document and preserve Mysore’s cultural heritage, including its
ecological aspects, ensuring that the knowledge and practices of the region are
accessible to future generations and the global community. English is often
used in the promotion of ecological hotspots, including national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries like Bandipur and Nagarahole to attract international and
domestic tourists interested in ecotourism, conveying the importance of
conservation and the need to protect the natural resources. Festivals like
Makara Sankranti, Ugadi (Kannada New Year), deeply connected to the
agricultural calendar and the ecological cycles of the region. involve rituals,
foods, and songs that are tied to the crops being harvested at the time, like
sugarcane, sesame, and rice. The language used during these festivals often
includes specific terms and phrases that reflect the ecological bounty.
Communities involved in agriculture, have specific vocabularies related to
their work, reinforcing cultural identity within the groups. Mysore has a rich
tradition of literature, art, and architecture, inspired by its ecological
landscape. The natural beauty of the region, including the Chamundi Hills, the
Cauvery River, and the lush agricultural fields, is celebrated in literature
and art. These cultural expressions contribute to the region's identity. The
ecological landscape of Mysore is inextricably linked to the region's
linguistic practices and cultural diversity. The natural environment has shaped
the language, influenced cultural rituals, traditions, and contributed to the
preservation of indigenous knowledge. This symbiotic relationship underscores
the importance of ecological conservation in maintaining the cultural and
linguistic heritage of the region. As Mysore continues to modernize,
understanding and preserving these connections between ecology, language, and
culture becomes crucial in maintaining the region's unique identity.
Mysore
is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. English acts as a bridge between
Mysore’s cultural heritage and the broader world, facilitating the exchange of
ideas, art and culture, enabling Mysoreans to share their tradition, also being
influenced by global cultural trends. English is widely used in the media in
Mysore, including newspapers, television and digital platforms. The evening
daily, Star of Mysore has found a place for itself in the heart of the
Mysoreans.
Mysore’s cultural identity has been heavily
influenced by the Wodeyar dynasty which ruled the region for several centuries.
The Wodeyars were great patrons of art, music and literature, contributing to
the rich cultural tapestry (Sampath, V., 2008) The British colonial period left
a mark on Mysore’s culture, blending western influences with traditional South
Indian practices. Kannada language and culture form the core of Mysore’s
identity, influencing festivals and food. Due to its proximity to Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, Mysore has significant Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam
population which contribute to the cultural diversity through their languages,
cuisines and festivals. The vibrant Muslim community with distinct cultural
practices traditional clothing, cuisine, the Christian population with churches
dating back to the colonial era, Jain communities, Sikhs and Parsis, add to the
cultural mosaic of the city.
Conclusion:
Mysore’s geographical,
cultural, and ecological context makes it a unique setting for studying the
interconnections between language, ecology, and cultural diversity. The city's
rich history, linguistic heritage, and biodiversity offer valuable insights
into how these elements influence each other in the context of a rapidly
changing world. Understanding these interconnections is essential for
developing strategies to preserve cultural and ecological diversity in the
region.
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