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Duolingo Report Reveals Urban Indians’ Love for Regional Language Expressions
A recent report by Duolingo, a leading language learning platform, has shed light on the linguistic diversity and cultural richness prevalent among urban Indians. According to the findings unveiled on Monday, over half of urban Indians, approximately 51 per cent, frequently incorporate words or phrases from specific regional languages into their daily conversations, expressing emotions, humor, and affection in ways that cannot be fully translated into English.
Conducted in collaboration with YouGov, the survey aimed to gauge the attitudes of urban Indians toward language and expression. The results underscored the deep-rooted connection individuals have with their native languages, with a significant portion acknowledging the inadequacy of English in capturing the nuanced meanings conveyed by certain phrases or words.
Of those surveyed, a striking 68 per cent affirmed that certain language-specific expressions carry subtle meanings that elude translation into English entirely. Additionally, 69 per cent admitted to employing these unique phrases or words to articulate emotions or engage in conversations with loved ones, underscoring their significance in interpersonal communication.
Moreover, a substantial 51 per cent of respondents confessed to using these expressions as terms of endearment or love language, as well as to infuse humor and wit into their interactions, further highlighting the versatility and richness of regional languages.
To celebrate this linguistic diversity and encourage language exploration, Duolingo recently launched the ‘#EnglishMeinNahiJamta’ campaign on its Instagram page in India. The campaign, featuring beloved characters Duo and Lily, invites users to embark on a journey of linguistic discovery by sharing treasured words from their regional dialects that lose their essence when translated into English.
Karandeep Singh Kapany, Regional Marketing Director at Duolingo, emphasized the profound significance of language beyond mere communication tools, stating, “At Duolingo, we understand that languages are more than just communication tools — they’re expressions of culture, emotion, and identity.” He further highlighted the campaign’s role in celebrating linguistic diversity and fostering global connections, empowering individuals to embrace expression and enrich lives.
The ‘#EnglishMeinNahiJamta’ campaign stands as a testament to Duolingo’s commitment to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation while encouraging language learners to delve into the intricacies of regional languages, thereby fostering a more inclusive and interconnected world.
