Upamanyu Chatterjee Questions Lack of Indian English Studies in Colleges

Author Upamanyu Chatterjee, during the Sahitya Akademi's Samvatsar Lecture at the annual Sahityotsav: Festival of Letters, questioned why Indian colleges and universities do not teach Indian English. He reflected on his own experiences studying complex texts like William S. Burroughs' "Naked Lunch" and Greek translations during his English literature course at Delhi University.

Focus on Indian English

Chatterjee proposed that instead of focusing on traditional English literature, Indian institutions should explore Indian English. He suggested a curriculum that examines the language's roots, growth, and history in India. This would include its literature, influences, and unique characteristics over a three- or five-year course.

The author highlighted the importance of understanding the syntax and grammar of global English while also appreciating Indian English's idiosyncrasies. He argued for courses that delve into these peculiarities to understand their origins and significance. Additionally, he recommended including contemporary competitive literature in the syllabus.

Multilingual Advantage

Chatterjee emphasised the value of multilingualism, urging students to study an Indian language alongside English. He noted that being bi-, tri-, or quadrilingual offers a wealth of cultural insights. Each language provides a unique perspective, enriching one's understanding of literature and culture.

He quoted Raja Rao to illustrate the complexity of conveying thoughts in a non-native language. Rao noted that while English might seem foreign, many Indians are naturally bilingual, writing in both their native language and English. Chatterjee agreed with Rao's view that literary English can feel alien but acknowledged its utility for certain narrative styles.

Personal Literary Journey

Reflecting on his personal journey, Chatterjee shared how he first read Bengali books at 45 after his parents' passing. Armed with dictionaries and translations, he explored Bengali literature, discovering its distinct voice compared to Western texts. This experience highlighted the challenges of finding comparable influences across cultures.

He recounted how Rabindranath Tagore's "Gora" presented a layered irony that translations failed to capture. Despite comparisons to works like "Middlemarch," Chatterjee realised each literature has its own cultural tradition. This understanding enriched his appreciation for both Bengali and English literary voices.

The Festival of Letters is set to conclude on March 12.