Chartered Institute of Linguists
AUTUMN 2025 The Linguist 33
OPINION & COMMENT
Lakshmi-Raj Jesa is an author
based in London. She studied
History at SOAS and has a postgraduate
qualification in International Relations
of the Americas from UCL.
TL
by our surroundings and the idiosyncrasies
of our communities, allowing us to express
ourselves more effectively. For example, in
Gujarati we might say Ba puja kareche
('Grandma is doing puja' – an act of
worship); in Gujlish, this might become Ba
pray kareche using the English word 'pray'.
Speaking Gujlish can also help motivate
new speakers to continue learning Gujarati.
There is often an assumption that every
person of Gujarati origin born and raised
outside India can easily learn the language,
but it can be challenging for some, given
how different it is from English and the lack
of learning resources available.
Falling standards?
There are concerns that hybrid languages
could lead to reduced fluency in both of the
languages on which they are based. Research
indicates that learning multiple languages
from a young age does not impact or hinder
language development.
1
However, with
hybrid languages caution should, perhaps,
be exercised due to the lack of research in
this area. Similarly, using hybrid languages in
education can be problematic with regard to
the standardisation of assessments.
Critics have suggested that hybrid
languages create divisions within
communities. I would argue that this issue
already exists in India due to dialects, which
often indicate the caste or community
someone belongs to. This creates a hierarchy
within the language, as some dialects are
considered superior to others – e.g. the
Amdawadi Gujarati of the Nagar Brahmins of
Ahmedabad. Broadly speaking, hybrid
languages allow us to reject the rigidity of
'pure Gujarati' and recognise the fluidity and
creativity inherent in language. In this way,
hybrid languages and the languages they
come from can coexist without creating
social divides.
Speaking Gujlish with family and friends
helps me connect with both of the cultures
that have influenced my life. While I may not
always be fully understood by those in India
who speak Gujarati, I am largely understood
and this is important. I am also able to
communicate with other British Indian
Gujaratis, whose families have had similar
migratory experiences and therefore speak
Gujlish too.
The development of Gujlish is a natural
adaptation of the Gujarati language to
accommodate the influence of English.
Languages evolve, particularly as their
speakers move to different countries, and this
natural evolution should not be halted.
Languages don't exist in a vacuum. In an
ever-changing and increasingly globalised
world, hybrid languages should be embraced.
Notes
1 'Why Speaking Different Languages at
Home is Great for Your Young Child'. In BBC:
CBeebies Parenting; www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-
happy-people/ articles/zn73f4j
Gujlish
Yes ame meeting forward
layavyeh.
It's pakka.
'Off' thaygya.
English
Yes we will bring the
meeting forward.
It's been confirmed.
He has passed away.
Gujarati
Ha ame meeting aagad
vadhari su.
Temani pusthi thay gay che.
Temnu avashan thayu che.
Understanding Gujlish
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