They are in there, often unnoticed. The words that have become part of everyday English: Nirvana, pyjamas, shampoo and shawl; bungalow, jungle, and loot.
One landmark book records the etymology of colloquial Anglo-Indian words and phrases. Compiled by two India enthusiasts, Henry Yule and Arthur C Burnell, ‘Hobson-Jobson: The Definitive Glossary of British India’ was published in 1886.
The editor of its contemporary edition — which has just been published in paperback — explains how many of the words pre-date British rule. “Ginger, pepper and indigo entered English via ancient routes: they reflect the early Greek and Roman trade with India and come through Greek and Latin into English,” says Kate Teltscher.
India’s influence on English points towards how language is perpetually in motion, and highlights the importance of former colonies in the making of the modern world. “It’s so fascinating to look at words,” says Teltscher. “It opens up these unexpected rhythms and paths of travel, and extraordinary, unlikely connections.”
Based on the text How India changed English, judge the following items.
The book mentioned in the text shows how the assimilation of Indian words in the English language happened during the time India was a British colony.
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