Understanding the Language Environment: Looking into the Language Policy of Corporate India

Abstract

The importance of multilingualism for cognitive development cannot be overemphasised. India, with its multiple languages, has always been at the forefront of this ‘cultural and social capital’ that has sustained its identity through generations. Likewise, on the economic front, the World Bank forecasts a robust 7% growth for India for fiscal year 2024 ‘despite a challenging global environment’. India’s corporate sector has always played a pivotal role, with employees from all over the country working together to script the country’s growth story. This study investigates the extant language policy in the corporate sector, which mandates the usage of particular languages at the formal level. Data was collected through Google form survey and in-depth interviews to look into the language policies prevalent in the corporate sector, and how they impact the language environment. Additionally, the study traces the importance of the English language and the viability of regional languages in the workplace.