Mind Your Language: Present Continuous in Indian English

Indian English, with its rich history and cultural influences, displays a range of intriguing linguistic nuances. One such quirk that often catches the ear is the use of present continuous tense, which adds a distinct flavour to communication. The present continuous tense typically denotes actions happening in the moment of speaking or ongoing activities. In standard English, it is constructed using the auxiliary verb “to be” (am, is, are) followed by the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb. However, in Indian English, this structure undergoes some fascinating alterations, often influenced by regional dialects and mother tongues.

The Use of “Since” and “For”:

One notable deviation in Indian English is the erroneous usage of “since” and “for” in conjunction with the present continuous tense. For instance, “I am working since five years” or “She is studying for two hours.” In standard English, “since” is used with specific points in time, while “for” is employed with durations. The correct forms would be “I have been working for five years” and “She has been studying for two hours.”

Example:

Incorrect: “He is waiting since morning.”

Correct: “He has been waiting since morning.”

The Influence of Regional Dialects:

Regional dialects exert a profound influence on the structure and usage of Indian English. In some parts of India, particularly in the southern states, the present continuous tense may be expressed differently. For instance, instead of saying “I am going,” one might hear “I am going only.” The addition of “only” serves to emphasise the immediacy or certainty of the action. Example: “I am going only to the market today.”

The Role of Mother Tongues:

Another factor shaping the use of present continuous in Indian English is the influence of speakers’ mother tongues. Languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and others often have distinct grammatical structures that can influence the way English is spoken.

In Hindi, for instance, there is no exact equivalent of the present continuous tense. Instead, present tense verbs are often used to convey ongoing actions. This influence sometimes manifests in Indian English speakers using present tense forms in situations where present continuous would be appropriate in standard English.

Example:

Incorrect: “He is knowing the answer.”

Correct: “He knows the answer.”

Conversational Emphasis:

In informal contexts, Indian English speakers may employ present continuous tense for emphasis or to convey a sense of immediacy, even when it’s not grammatically necessary. This adds a conversational flair to communication, making it more lively and engaging. Example: “I am telling you, it’s going to be amazing!”

Here are some more examples illustrating the usage of present continuous in Indian English along with their correct counterparts:

Indian English: “She is having fever since yesterday.”

Correct: “She has had a fever since yesterday.”

Indian English: “He is not coming to office today.”

Correct: “He will not come to the office today.”

Indian English: “I am wanting to buy a new car.”

Correct: “I want to buy a new car.”

Indian English: “They are not understanding the concept.”

Correct: “They do not understand the concept.”

Indian English: “She is liking the movie very much.”

Correct: “She likes the movie very much.”

The use of present continuous tense in Indian English reflects the dynamic nature of language and linguistic evolution. So, the next time you hear someone say, “I am liking this,” or “He is going only,” appreciate the richness of diversity that makes language truly fascinating.