- India is a linguistically diverse country with 18 different languages and 1,600 dialects. Hindi is the national language of India. In Maharashtra, the main language is Marathi, which is commonly spoken in Mumbai. But because it is a melting pot of many cultures, Mumbai has its own language, a unique blend of Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, and English called “Bambaiyya Hindi.”The good news for English speakers is that English is fairly common in Mumbai, so you don’t need to learn Bambaiyya Hindi to survive. Most shop signs, traffic signals and many advertisements around the city are written in both Hindi and in English. Bookstores sell mainly English titles. English-speaking nannies, household help and drivers are relatively easy to find. Many people speak at least some English, though statistics say that only 3% of Indians are proficient. It helps to learn a few Hindi phrases for bargaining or just to be friendly, but in hotels, in the business district, and in areas thick with tourists, you can get by on English alone.
Indian English
The prevalence of English can be comforting for English-speaking expatriates. However, the English spoken in India is not your standard English; it is a special variety called “Indian English,” spoken with a distinctive Indian flavor. It has a sing-song ring to it. You will quickly notice that the word “only” is overused and that the definite article is often dropped. Indians speak English quickly without Western inflection, which can make it hard to understand. With time, you’ll develop an ear for it and might even start incorporating some of the quirky aspects into your own speech.
A few common examples of Indian English you will come across in Mumbai:
- Timepass: Doing something for leisure with no intention or target. “The book was a complete timepass – not very interesting.”
- Boss: Can refer to any person on the street or even a waiter in a restaurant. “Boss, get aside, and let me go.” or “Boss, please take my order.”
- Solid: Means very good. “The movie was solid, man.”
- “Where are you put up?” = “Where do you live?”
- “I got a firing from him.” = “I got yelled at by him.”
- “I will make a move now.” = “I will go now.”
- “Where do you stay?” = “Where do you live?”
- “What is your good name?” = “What is your full name?”
- “Tell me.” Used when answering the phone and means “How can I help you?”
Learning Hindi
There are not many brick and mortar language schools for learning Hindi as an expat, but there are tutors who can come to your home to teach you, which is very convenient. Ask around for recommendations.
Schools
Cornerstrone Language Institute: Offers spoken Hindi Classes
Address:
#F2, B-3, F-Type Shopping Complex, Sector 11, Nerul East
Navi Mumbai, Mumbai 400706
Opposite Nerul Bus Depot
Phone: 022 27713399
Mobile: 9324656032
Email: inst.cornerstone@gmail.comAshtaang Learning: Offers many courses including spoken HindiAddress:
#51, Mira Building, Plot No. 28, T.P.S. 2, J.P. Road
Andheri West, Mumbai -400058
Near Rajkumar Signal
Phone: 022 26285324
Mobile: 9769570810
Email-id: jhaveriparul2@gmail.comPrivate Tutors
- Bhavna Lakhi: Female language instructor who teaches conversational Hindi and Hindi script to adults and children. Call 98 924 25898
- Usha Salian: Female language instructor who teaches conversational Hindi and has an excellent command of English. Call 2867 8492
- Bobby: Teaches Hindi, yoga, English, and Japanese. Call 98 209 49723
Online course
- PTB’s Tutorials offer online Hindi language courses for foreigners. http://www.ptbonline.net/
