Is It Common for People in India to Use Technology in Indian Languages?

The widespread use of technology in Indian languages remains a nuanced topic. While English continues to be the lingua franca in various sectors, the growing popularity of Indian languages in technology scenarios is undeniable. This article delves into the current landscape of language use in technology in India, examining the challenges, advancements, and future prospects.

Challenges and Predominance of English

The predominant use of English in technology-related fields in India poses a significant challenge for the broader and more diverse use of Indian languages. For a long time, users in India were heavily reliant on English for their interaction with technology, primarily because many web platforms, software, and digital services were designed and developed in English. Additionally, many older mobile phones, particularly the non-smart types, only supported English or a limited number of languages, further inhibiting the use of Indian languages in technology.

However, the situation is gradually changing. Although English remains ubiquitous, the cultural, educational, and political emphasis on using Indian languages in everyday life has led to a growing interest in leveraging technology for these languages as well.

Evolution of Indian Language Support in Technology

The evolution of Indian language support in technology can be traced back to the early days of mobile phone adoption in India. Traditional non-smart mobile phones began to support popular Indian languages, such as Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, primarily to cater to the needs of rural users who used mobile phones mainly for SMS.

As more Indian language scripts have been encoded in Unicode, the capacity for wide use in computers and the internet has expanded. Unicode is a standard for the consistent and accurate representation of text in any natural language. Its inclusion of over 141,000 characters from over 150 writing systems, including Devanagari, Bengali, Tamil, and many others, has been a significant milestone in bridging the technology gap for Indian languages.

Adoption of Indian Languages in Web Hosting and Cloud Services

Several web hosting and cloud services companies now offer services and support in a wide range of Indian languages. This adoption is a crucial indicator of the increasing demand and usage of Indian languages in the digital realm. Companies like GoDaddy, Bluehost, and others are offering domain names, web hosting, and email services in multiple Indian languages.

The availability of these services not only opens up a new market but also enhances the user experience for native speakers. It is now easier for Indian users to access and understand technology-related content and services, which can range from business websites to educational resources and social media platforms.

Current Trends and Future Prospects

The steady increase in the number of users and the fervent requests for more comprehensive language support in technology platforms suggest that the trend towards broader language use is likely to continue. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and natural language processing are also expected to play a significant role in making Indian languages more accessible and usable in digital environments.

As more developers and companies recognize the economic and cultural importance of supporting Indian languages, it is likely that we will see a more inclusive and diverse technology landscape in India. This includes the development of more Indian language-oriented applications, websites, and platforms, which are not only functional but also culturally relevant and accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion

The use of technology in Indian languages is a dynamic and evolving field, characterized by both challenges and opportunities. While English continues to be the primary language in many digital sectors, the increasing demand for and support of Indian languages in technology platforms is a positive sign. As technology advances and more companies recognize the importance of linguistic diversity, the future looks promising for the broader integration of Indian languages in the digital world.

Keywords: technology in Indian languages, Indian language scripts, Unicode