Common errors Indians make when speaking English

From business meetings to casual conversations, proficiency in English is often considered a key asset. However, despite widespread usage, we Indians still grapple with certain common errors when speaking the language. Let’s delve into some of these slip-ups and how to avoid them.

Mixing Up Pronunciation

One of the most prevalent mistakes is the mispronunciation of words. We often tend to pronounce words based on our native languages, resulting in a distinct accent. While accents are natural and unique, some mispronunciations can hinder effective communication.

For instance, pronouncing “v” as “w” or vice versa is a common error. Saying “wery” instead of “very” or “wictory” instead of “victory” can lead to confusion.

Incorrect Word Stress

Word stress plays a crucial role in English pronunciation. Improper stress can alter the meaning of a word or make it sound unnatural. Many of us struggle with placing stress on the correct syllable, especially in longer words or phrases.

Take the word “present” for example. Depending on its usage, stress can fall on the first syllable (present – noun) or the second syllable (present – verb). Failing to stress the right syllable can lead to misunderstandings.

Misusing Articles

Articles—“a,” “an,” and “the”—can be tricky for non-native English speakers. A lot of us Indians often misuse or omit articles altogether, which can affect the clarity and grammatical correctness of their sentences.

For instance, saying “I am going to market” instead of “I am going to the market” overlooks the necessity of the definite article “the.”

Overusing Indianisms

Indian English, while rich and colourful, sometimes incorporates phrases or expressions that may not be widely understood outside the Indian subcontinent. Overusing these Indianisms can impede effective communication with non-Indian speakers.

Phrases like “Do one thing” or “Kindly do the needful” are commonly used in India but may confuse those unfamiliar with Indian English. Striving for clarity by using standard English expressions can bridge communication gaps.

Neglecting Verb Tenses

English verb tenses can be perplexing, and Indians often struggle with their correct usage. Confusion between past, present and future tenses may happen, leading to grammatical errors and misunderstandings.

For example, saying “I am going to office yesterday” mixes present and past tenses, resulting in an incorrect sentence structure.

Literal Translation from Native Languages

Translating directly from native languages to English is a common pitfall for many Indians. This approach often leads to awkward phrasing and incorrect usage of idiomatic expressions.

For instance, directly translating “He is eating my head” from Hindi might confuse native English speakers, as the equivalent idiom in English is “He is getting on my nerves.”

Lack of Subject-Verb Agreement

Maintaining subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and grammatically correct communication. Many of us overlook this rule, leading to sentences that sound awkward or incorrect.

For instance, saying “The team are playing well” instead of “The team is playing well” disregards subject-verb agreement, as “team” is singular and requires a singular verb.

Tips to Improve English Speaking Skills

Expand Vocabulary: Continuously expand your vocabulary to express yourself more effectively and precisely.

Avoid Direct Translation: Instead of translating directly from your native language, try to think in English to improve fluency.

Learn Word Stress: Pay attention to the stress patterns of English words and practice saying them aloud.

Master Articles: Understand the proper usage of articles and incorporate them into your speech consciously.

Study Verb Tenses: Familiarise yourself with English verb tenses and practice using them in context.

Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from expert speakers or language instructors to identify and correct errors.

Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with English media such as books, movies and podcasts to immerse yourself in the language.

By recognising and addressing these common errors, we can enhance our English speaking skills and communicate more confidently and effectively in diverse settings. Awareness of common errors and consistent practice can significantly improve one’s proficiency.