The Kannada Language Divide

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A recent report of a Spanish national Jesus Abrielle being asked to speak in Kannada when he called the police helpline has retriggered the language debate in the city.

The incident garnered a lot of press with the focus unfortunately on the fact that he was asked to speak in Kannada. The language debate, however, is part of the city’s cosmopolitan ethos and there is more than what meets the eye. 

As the city grows and people flock for employment there is a sustained increase in the migrant population. While Bangalore was earlier favoured for better weather, today it is the Information technology (IT) jobs that have seen people move to the city.

As a city that has welcomed people with open arms, Bangalore perhaps has become a victim of its pride in the diversity and inclusivity that define the city. Kannada is the heart of our cultural identity and deserves to be celebrated, not imposed.

While there are several media reports that cite instances of people being forced to speak the language, there is also a school of thought that learning the local language is always a good idea. 

As Kannadigas become a minority, a lesser known issue that seldom makes it to the news is how locals are getting isolated.

Read the full story that first appeared in Our Bangalore dated Jan 25-31, 2025 here:

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