Early Influences (16th-18th Century):
* Trade & Exploration: During the early days of British colonization, English traders and explorers encountered Indian languages and adopted words like "bungalow, chutney, loot, jungle, tiffin, curry, and cashmere. These words were mostly related to trade, food, and landscape.
* British Raj (18th-19th Century): The British East India Company's control of India resulted in further language exchange. Words like "avatar, bandobast, khaki, loot, shampoo, thug, and yoga entered the English lexicon. Many terms were related to administration, culture, and military life.
20th Century & Beyond:
* Post-Independence & Globalization: With India's independence, increased travel, media, and cultural exchange led to the adoption of more Indian words. This included "bandstand, dhoti, mantra, pundit, sari, zero, chai (tea), and many others.
* Modern Influences: The modern era sees a continuous flow of new words, often tied to technology, business, and popular culture. Examples include "Bollywood, desi, jugaad, jugaad, chai latte, namaste, and more.
Important Notes:
* Language is Dynamic: Language is constantly evolving, and there is no clear boundary for when a word is considered "added."
* Different Regional Influences: The specific words adopted from India vary depending on the region and historical context.
* Adoption & Appropriation: The process of incorporating words from other languages can be complex and sometimes involves a history of colonialism and cultural appropriation.
It's essential to approach the topic of language borrowing with awareness and sensitivity. While it enriches our vocabulary, it's important to acknowledge the historical context and power dynamics involved.