The Language Dilemma.

Nowadays, I often see people arguing over language; Local residents insist that those living in their city or state must speak the local language; Sadly, these verbal disputes can even escalate into physical altercations; is it right way preserve a language?

let me ask you a question: Do you know what language really is?

Language is a system of communication, both spoken and written, used by people in a particular region or community. At its core, language is simply a combination of sounds we produce with our mouths or symbols we draw to convey meaning. As humans, we were born and raised in various parts of the world, and during our evolution, we developed unique ways to communicate sounds became speech, and drawings became writing; Naturally, these sounds and symbols varied from place to place, and that’s how different languages emerged.

Long ago, humans weren’t as connected across different regions of the world as we are today, so language barriers weren’t much of an issue but as we evolved and began exploring new territories, we discovered many things language being one of them.

As people started interacting for trade, travel, and cultural exchange, they had to find ways to communicate with those who spoke different languages. It wasn’t easy, but over time, individuals learned each other’s languages, improving communication in the process.

During this exchange, those who spoke multiple languages (multilingual) would often mix words from different languages. This blending of vocabulary and linguistic features gradually contributed to the development of new languages.

e.g. English is heavily influenced by Danish, Norse, and French, in addition to its Germanic roots. The Norman Conquest in 1066 played a major role in introducing French vocabulary into English, while earlier Viking invasions brought Norse influences. Over time, these interactions shaped English into what we know today.

Charles Darwin once said:

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."

I believe this idea applies not only to evolution but also to language. Those who embrace linguistic change are better equipped to thrive in an evolving world.

If we take a modern example, think about AI (artificial intelligence). You've probably heard people say that AI will take away jobs and to some extent, that's true. But AI will mostly replace those who fail to adapt. On the other hand, those who understand how to work with AI will see their productivity and earning potential rise. Meanwhile, those who resist change may find themselves left behind, blaming AI for their struggles, when the real problem lies in their unwillingness to adapt.

The same applies to language. Some people cling tightly to their native language, resisting the adoption of new languages. Others embrace change, learning new languages and adapting as the world evolves. Ultimately, it’s a matter of perspective you can resist change and risk being left behind, or you can embrace it and grow with the world.

As a Rajasthani, I speak Marwadi (as my primary language), Hindi (with those who don’t understand Marwadi), and English (in professional settings). I know that Marwadi isn’t officially recognized as a language, it’s considered a dialect of Hindi but that’s a whole other discussion about what defines a language.

Personally, I often use Hinglish in casual conversations. When I speak with fellow Marwadi speakers, we naturally mix Marwadi, Hindi, and English without feeling insecure about it. We’re simply adapting, and this evolution has given us Hindi, English, and countless other languages we use today.

Looking ahead, I believe this evolution may one day lead to a single universal language that unites humanity. Of course, that’s just a prediction. It could take thousands of years or perhaps we’ll develop technology that eliminates the need for verbal or written communication altogether.

Who knows the future? I see the language dilemma as part of human evolution.