Karnataka: A recent post by a Karnataka man created an online row, wherein the latter gave a message to non-Kannada speaking people coming to Bengaluru-the IT capital of India. The man had posted that people who do not know Kannada and don’t try to learn it too would be treated as outsiders in the city. He later emphasized Bengaluru belongs to Kannadigas.
To,
Everyone Coming to BengaluruYou will be treated as OUTSIDERS in Bengaluru if you don't speak Kannada or make an effort to speak Kannada.
Write it down, Share it around. We ain't Joking.
BENGALURU BELONGS TO KANNADIGAS PERIOD.
— ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ತನಯ (@ManjuKBye) September 6, 2024
The message, put up on September 6, went viral with over 5.5 million views in a short period of time and catalyzed citywide conversations about language, identity, and belonging.
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Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The post has received mixed reactions online. Some criticized the stance as not fully pluralist in application-it only applies to Indians while all foreigners are welcomed regardless of their languages. Others pointed at the hypocrisy of using English to make a point about regional language pride.
People also pointed out that other states do not often expect Kannadigas to converse in the local language when among them. Others insisted to the fact that mutual respect is called for and agreement that it is tough to learn a new language, cultural adjustment will take its time.
Language and Identity in Bengaluru
That viral post marked the beginning of the long-winding debate between language and cultural identity in Bengaluru. While some say that people who are locals should learn Kannada as a way of adjusting to its culture, others feel that its cosmopolitan nature should accommodate speakers of every other language-which best reflects the diverse, global population of the city.
