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Language changes all the time. Words evolve, get mixed together, get chopped into smaller pieces. New words and phrases appear. These changes seem to be happening faster than ever, as general UK English becomes a rich mix of many languages.

The Queen’s Hinglish

Baljinder Mahal, a teacher from Derby, has just published a Hinglish dictionary called The Queen’s Hinglish (a play on the phrase ‘the Queen’s English). Baljinder’s book gathers together the words and phrases known as Hinglish (Hindu + English) - a hybrid of English and south Asian languages, used both in Asia and the UK.

City life

Living in a multicultural city has an affect on language especially on young people, whose friends are often from a mix of backgrounds. Clair, comments, ‘When I travel on the bus I often hear younger people who are not from a Caribbean background using Patois. In Manchester with its large multicultural community young people influence each others language and slang. Young people big pick up slang that may normally be associated with a particular country or culture away from theirs.’

As well as your friends, TV and music also play a large part in creating this mix, mainly with slang from America having a massive impact on the language of the young. Often UK singers will even sing in American accents without realising.

Streets ahead

Young speakers of any language are often challenged about their use of the language – for their bad grammar, street talk and text speak. Yet it is this younger group who seem to be leading the way in building a new language, as their slang drifts into mainstream English. ‘Innit’ can often be heard beyond Hindi cultures. No longer a question (a short form of ‘isn’t it?’), ‘innit’ is generally used to end any statement or punctuate a lively sentence. Innit.

As well as words from Hindi cultures other words from Caribbean origins are used more widely. Words like ‘seen’ meaning yes, I agree and ‘nuff said’ I totally agree with you, or this is the end of discussion.

Future slang Language is never a static thing and with the new influx of people from Eastern European countries, predominantly Poland, into the UK maybe this will have an influence on future slang. What is certain, is it will be the young people in the UK and leading the change. ‘Nuff said.’

Glossary

Streets ahead – leading the way

Hybrid (n.) – generally a mix of two things

Mainstream (adj.)– the normal, usual and commonly used