How Hinglish bridges language divide in medical education
The Times of India|October 21, 2022
More than a radical departure, the new MBBS texts in Hindi are an attempt to ensure that English does not prove to be a stumbling block in learning
Durgesh Nandan Jha & Jamal Ayub
How Hinglish bridges language divide in medical education

Leg ka pichla bhag" may not exactly be a remarkable stride in terms of enriching language, but the message isn't lost in translation as India's medical fraternity seeks to make an informed prognosis regarding the future of MBBS textbooks in Hindi. The first such set of textbooks, released in Bhopal on October 16 by Union home minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is packed with common to complex medical terminology written in the Devanagari script and meant to be pronounced in English.

The glossy cover of the book on "anatomy" retains the English term of Greek origin, albeit in bold, white Devanagari font set in blue. "Abdomen" and "lower limb", too, keep their DNA intact barring a change in script. While "sole of the foot" doesn't tread Hindi territory, "back of the leg" partly does. The diagrams are all annotated in English while the phrases are in Hindi.

The Demand Factor

The "Hinglish" strategy is supposedly deliberate and presumably a hit, going beyond the novelty factor. The Kolkata-based publisher has had its print order tripled because at least three predominantly Hindi-speaking states Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar have approached it via the MP government, which holds the copyright to the books, sources said.

Several other states have written to the MP government for information as part of their groundwork to launch medical education in the vernacular. In MP, the first MBBS batch to have the option of studying in Hindi the option to write exams in the language has existed for some years -begins in November.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIAView all
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022