How chutney, bhelpuri flavoured the English language

The words of Indian origin span categories such as people and places, food, clothing and accessories, society, wildlife as well as nature. Some of the most commonly used Indian words were “areraita, pashmina, bhelpuri, dal and chutney others, the British Council said.

Over the 70 years of its presence in the country, the British Council has worked to partner India’s knowledge ambitions, with the English language playing a key role in helping Indians explore opportunities in India and across the world, a release said.

Alan Gemmell OBE, Director India, British Council, said, “There are many points of connection over the centuries in which people, ideas, language, goods and services have moved between Britain and India.”

“The British Council has been one such point and — as we celebrate our 70th year — we have been inspired by India every day of those 70 years and hope that in a small way, we inspire young people in both countries to imagine what the next 70 years could be. Our ‘70 words’ is a momentary reminder of the layers of connection and fluid nature of the English language,” he said.

“From the cashmere we drape and the pyjamas we sleep in, the bangles we wear, the shampoo that cleans our hair, the cheetahs we watch whose speed we admire, and the curry and kedgeree we might eat on a verandah” the English language is infused with Indianisms, he said.

The occasion highlights how the English language has evolved with words of Indian origin with some words that date back to the pre-Independence era, while several others have been added recently, including words such as bhelpuri and churidar.