A Bridge Between Cultures: The Role of Language in Identity
When we moved to the UK, one of the most unexpected challenges we faced was seeing our daughter unlearn Marathi — our mother tongue. As she started nursery, she quickly realized that the world around her spoke English, and in her efforts to communicate and express herself, Marathi faded from her daily vocabulary. It was a difficult transition for us as parents, watching her gradually lose the ability to think and speak in Marathi, but at the same time, we understood its necessity. Language is meant for connection, and she had to adapt to the environment she was growing up in.
This experience made me reflect on the evolving role of English. It is no longer just the language of the colonial age British; it has become a global medium of communication, connecting people across nations, cultures, and industries. My own education was primarily in English, and throughout my career, English has been the formal language of communication. It is the bridge that allows people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to collaborate, innovate, and progress together.
Yet, despite its importance, my wife and I strongly believe that our daughter should know her mother tongue. Even if she may not need to use Marathi in her professional or daily life, it remains a vital part of her identity. We believe that the higher a tree grows and the farther its branches spread, the stronger its roots must be, or else it will fall. Our mother tongue is that root — it connects us to our heritage, our values, and our history.
Language is more than just a tool for conversation; it is a carrier of culture, emotions, and traditions. It holds within it the wisdom of generations, the poetry of our ancestors, and the nuances of our way of life. Marathi, like any other native language, is not just a means of communication — it is an archive of stories, a reflection of our roots, and a way to remain connected to where we come from. When a child loses touch with their mother tongue, they risk losing a part of their cultural inheritance.
Maharashtra has been home to some of history’s greatest literary and intellectual minds. Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, and Sant Eknath laid the spiritual and philosophical foundation of Marathi literature. P.L. Deshpande and Vijay Tendulkar revolutionized modern theater and storytelling, while Namdeo Dhasal brought forth the struggles of the marginalized through his powerful poetry. Krushnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar’s plays challenged social norms, and Jyotirao Phule’s writings ignited a movement for education and equality. Maharashtra also gave birth to great political and social reformers like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established the Maratha Empire, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who famously declared, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,” and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who played a crucial role in drafting India’s Constitution and advocating for social equality.
Historically, many European female authors, such as Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot) and the Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, who wrote as Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell), used male pseudonyms to navigate societal biases and be taken seriously in the literary world. This was due to prevailing gender norms that often limited women’s opportunities in publishing.
In contrast, India, particularly in Maharashtra, saw a different literary and cultural landscape where women like Muktabai, Bahinabai, and Shanta Shelke were recognized for their poetic and intellectual contributions. Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher, played a crucial role in advocating for women’s education, helping to shape a more inclusive literary and intellectual space.
Both societies had their own struggles and progress, but these historical examples highlight how different cultures navigated gender dynamics in literature and education.
Moreover, India’s first female doctor, Anandi Gopal Joshi, graduated from medical school in 1886 — just 37 years after Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree in 1849. This is a history worth knowing, and as parents, we want our daughter to know such facts that will help her draw inspiration from her cultural roots while soaring high in pursuit of her own dreams.
Language also shapes how we perceive the world. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and even the way we form relationships. While English equips our daughter to thrive in a globalized world, Marathi gives her the cultural grounding that no other language can replace. It will teach her values embedded in folk tales, wisdom hidden in proverbs, and emotions expressed through poetry. Knowing Marathi will allow her to experience the world in two dimensions — one that is modern and global, and another that is deeply personal and rooted in heritage.
That is why, despite her education being in English, we are making conscious efforts to ensure that she remains connected to Marathi. We speak it at home, play songs and prayers in Marathi, and encourage her to engage with stories in her native language. It is our way of ensuring that she does not just grow outward but also remains grounded.
In today’s world, multilingualism is an asset. We firmly believe that being fluent in multiple languages expands one’s mind, broadens one’s cultural exposure, and deepens one’s understanding of the world. English is an essential tool, but it should not come at the cost of losing one’s linguistic heritage.
For us, this is not about choosing one language over another — it is about balance. We want our daughter to have the confidence to express herself in English, the awareness to navigate a multicultural world, and the deep-rooted strength that comes from knowing where she comes from. Because in the end, languages are not just about words — they are about identity, history, and belonging.
And we want her to belong to both worlds.
