Trinidadian Hindustani is a descendant language from the early indentured labourers who came to the Caribbean nation in the 19th and 20th centuries. Primarily hailing from parts of North India, these labourers spoke Hindi, which, over time, led to the formation of Trinidadian Hindustani in the country. The language has served as an important pillar in preserving Indian heritage in Trinidad & Tobago for decades. This blog explores the impact of this language in the region and how it sustains Indian tradition and culture.
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Historical Context of Caribbean Hindustani
The history of Caribbean Hindustani began with the arrival of Indian indentured workers in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Primarily from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, these workers carried their languages, including Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and other Bihari dialects, along with elements of Hindi-Urdu. Together, these languages collectively blended to form what became known as Caribbean Hindustani. In Trinidad, this linguistic blend adapted to new surroundings and influences, giving rise to the language colloquially referred to as "Gaon ke Bolee" or "the village speech."
Caribbean Hindustani and Forms
The language is primarily inspired by a mix of North Indian languages, such as Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Hindi, and Urdu, but it also has some inspirations from other Dravidian languages, such as Tamil, and even some Caribbean languages, such as Dutch and English. Initially, the language was seen as a broken version of standard Hindi, but later, research showed that it originated from Bhojpuri and Awadhi. Other forms of the language include Sarnami Hindustani and Guyanese Hindustani.
Trinidadian Hindustani
Despite being overshadowed by English, which is the official language of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidadian Hindustani remains an important vessel of cultural continuity, often used in religious rituals, traditional songs, and familial interactions. The language also has a close relationship with Indian classical music and folk music, such as bhajans, which further shows its cultural significance in the region. These Indian folk music and art forms have become an indistinguishable form of Caribbean culture, highlighting its importance as a heritage language.
Trinidadian Hindustani was perhaps the most popular vernacular used by the early indentured labourers, and the British and other estate owners were varying of this. Due to their discontent over the language, they kept it restricted to fields, not allowing it to become an official language. Despite this, the language stayed alive. However, around the 1960s, the language sort of intermingled with Trinidadian and Tobagonian English, forming a 'Hinglish' hybrid similar to that in India. However, the language retained its roots in Trinidadian Bhojpuri and other languages of Hindustani origin that inspired it.
Today, the language is sustained primarily through music and is an important way for second and third-generation Indian settlers in the Caribbean to keep in touch with their culture. The term Trinidadian Caribbean has now also come to include aspects and elements of language, literature, art, clothing and music. The language has inspired many native forms of folk music, such as Bhajans, Chutney music, Chutney soca and Indian classical music. The language and culture have even kept many Indian festivals alive.
One such example is a version of Holi which is celebrated in the Caribbean called Phagwah. Just like in India, there is extensive use of "Pichakarees" (Long syringe-like toys used to spray water) and colours in the celebration. The language has also inspired many names in the country in Hindustani, such as Fyzabad and Barrackpore. Furthermore, many phrases and words have made their way into the English spoken in the Caribbean.
Challenges of Language Loss and Efforts to Revive
The dominance of English, including its creole forms like Guyanese English Creole and Tobagonian Creole English, has contributed to the decline of Trinidadian Hindustani in the country. The language faces significant erosion as younger generations shift toward English for education and employment. This trend mirrors broader patterns of language loss across the globe. Just as indigenous languages like those in the Americas or Africa face extinction, heritage languages like Trinidadian Hindustani are at risk of disappearing without revival efforts.
However, there have been recent efforts to ensure these languages don't go extinct. Organizations like Caribbean Hindustani Inc. and academic initiatives by scholars are actively working to document and promote Trinidadian Hindustani. Similar efforts are seen in Suriname, where Sarnami Hindustani is preserved as a living language within the Indian diaspora. Furthermore, there have also been collaborations with institutions like the Jamaican Language Unit. These initiatives across the Caribbean nations also emphasize the shared heritage between Guyanese Hindustani and Berbician Hindustani, reflecting a common linguistic ancestry.
ALSO READ: The Evolution of Caribbean Hindustani: From Roots to Modern-Day
Conclusion
Trinidadian Hindustani continues to embody the resilience of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. As part of the larger Caribbean Hindustani tradition, the language preserves a unique blend of Indian and Caribbean cultures. The language has contributed extensively to the region's culture and has highlighted how it impacts Indian heritage in the Caribbean. However, there have been recent scares about the extinction of the language, and by addressing these challenges, this language continues to thrive as a testament to the enduring spirit of Indo-Caribbean communities.
FAQs
Which Language is Closest to Hindustani?
The closest languages to Hindustani are Hindi and Urdu, as Hindustani itself is a linguistic continuum encompassing these two standardized archives. Other related languages include Awadhi and Bhojpuri, which share a common Indo-Aryan origin.
Which Caribbean Country has Indians?
Several Caribbean countries have significant Indian populations, including Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and smaller communities in Jamaica and Martinique. These populations are largely descendants of Indian indentured labourers brought to the region during colonial times.
Which Countries Speak Hindi Other Than India?
Apart from India, Hindi is spoken in Fiji, Mauritius, Suriname, and among Indian diaspora communities in countries like South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago. While it may not be an official language in many of these nations, it remains vital within these communities.
Note: Featured Image Source (Wikipedia)
