Narayan's Essay on English Language Variations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main theme of the essay 'Toasted English'?

The impact of Indian English on global language

The role of English in international business

The importance of formal English

The differences between American and British English (correct)

What is the term used to describe the process of changing English in the United States?

Toasting (correct)

Americanization

Linguistic Shift

English Evolution

What is the characteristic of American English according to the author?

Complex and nuanced

Informal and practical (correct)

Strict and rigid

Formal and polite

What is the main difference between American and British usage of the word 'check'?

Americans use it in multiple contexts, while British use it only in definitions Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's point about the word 'yes' in American English?

It is a complete sentence that doesn't require any additional suffixes Signup and view all the answers

How do Londoners employ the English language, according to the author?

Politely Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Your check' in American English?

It refers to a ticket or token Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's point about the use of words in American English?

They are used in a practical and informal way Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view of the English language?

It is a dynamic and evolving commodity Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's tone in the essay 'Toasted English'?

Comical and humorous Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the 'toasting' of English in America?

The loss of formality surrounding the use of the English language Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the phrase 'the American National Expression'?

To explain how Americans have developed distinct keywords Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author think Americans have adapted English to suit their preferences and way of life?

To make it more straightforward, conversational, and informal Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the adaptation of English in America?

The author is not in favor of it because it fails to respect the integrity of grammar and the rule of law Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the author's preference for American English?

Clear instructions on signboards, such as 'Absolutely Little Parking' Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by 'the oppressive tyranny of the passive voice'?

The difficulty of expressing oneself freely Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall tone of the author towards the adaptation of English in America?

Critical Signup and view all the answers

Why did Americans eliminate British-related aspects from their language?

To create a unique identity for themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's suggestion for Indians regarding their use of English?

They should develop their own unique English language Signup and view all the answers

What linguistic feature did Americans start using to change their language?

Passive voice Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate outcome of the 'toasting' process, according to the author?

The development of unique English languages for each culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying reason behind the author's suggestion for Indians to create their own English language?

To reflect their unique cultural identity in their language Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main suggestion for Indians in terms of using English?

To develop their own unique brand of English Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Newly planted, don't walk' in the passage?

It is an example of Americanized English Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by 'mongrelisation' of English?

Hybridization of English Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author appreciate the American approach to English?

Because they modified English to suit their needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the author towards the adaptation of English in America?

Appreciative Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's ultimate goal for Indian English?

To give it a unique Indian identity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Toasted English

R.K. Narayan's essay "Toasted English" explores the differences between American and British English in a humorous manner.
The author claims that Americans adopted English, but instead of using it in a formal manner, they used it informally, abandoning formalism and substituting more practical terms.
This process of changing English is referred to as "toasting".
Examples of "toasted" words include "Ok", "Yeah", and "Yes", which are used frequently in American English.
The word "check" is also used as an example, which has multiple meanings in American English, unlike in British English.

Differences in English Usage

In American English, the word "check" is used more widely, and can mean "I'll investigate, inspect, and verify".
In British English, "check" is only used in specific definitions, such as "check girl" or "your check".
Londoners use English politely, and in a more formal manner.
In a London bus, the conductor will say "Thank you" instead of "Ticket, Ticket", and take the fare and give out the ticket simultaneously.

Importance of Indian English

R.K. Narayan advocates for creating a unique Indian brand of English, dubbed "Bharat brand of English".
Indian English should adjust to fit Indian requirements and circumstances, like American English has done.
The author opposes the mingling of English, and instead wants Indian English to have its own grammatical conventions and distinctive stamp, or "Swadeshi Stamp".
Indian English should be distinct from current English and have its own personality.

The Impact of American English on Language Formality

The formality of the English language has been lost due to the "toasting" of English in America.
Americans have developed distinct keywords that can be used globally, referred to as the "American National Expression".
Examples of these keywords include "check", "anywhere", and "anyhow", which can be misused yet still be accepted in context.
Americans have adapted English to fit their preferences and way of life, making it more straightforward, conversational, and informal.
This adaptation has made it easier for Americans to express themselves, as they are no longer restricted by the passive voice.

The Author's Perspective on American English

The author is not in favor of the adapted American English, as it disregards the integrity of grammar and the rule of law.
The author appreciates American English for its clarity and directness, as it leaves no room for speculation.
American English is exemplified in clear instructions, such as signboards, which convey direct messages, for example, "Absolutely Little Parking".

Toasted English by R K Narayan

R K Narayan wrote the research paper "Toasted English"
The paper focuses on the use of English in different contexts

American Influence on English

Americans were tired of British dominance
They actively eliminated British influences from their language
One such change was the adoption of passive voices in their language

Indian English

The author suggests Indians should develop their own unique English language
This new language should reflect Indian culture and nuances
Indians will eventually create their own English dialect

Americans' Influence on English

Americans also drove the British out of their country, but allowed English to stay back.
They modified English to make it easier to use, abandoning Passive Voice in favor of more direct language.

Modifying English

The process of modifying English to suit local needs is called "toasting".
Examples of toasting include simplifying notice-board messages, such as changing "Trespassing Prohibited" to "Newly planted, don't walk".

Universal Keywords

Americans have created universal keywords with multipurpose use, such as "O.K" and "Yeah".
These keywords are commonly used expressions that can be employed anywhere.

Developing Indian English

The author advocates for Indians to adopt English to suit their purposes, creating a "Bharat brand of English".
He emphasizes the importance of Indian English having its own identity, with a "Swadeshi Stamp".
He does not support "mongrelization" or hybridization of English.
Instead, he wants Indians to develop a unique and distinct English that reflects their culture.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores Narayan's essay 'Toasted English' which highlights the differences between American and British English in a humorous manner.