Building a Rich Vocabulary: Lessons from My Multi-Language Childhood

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our thinking and understanding of the world around us, and my own journey in acquiring a robust vocabulary began in my young years and continues to this day.

Infusing Vocabulary through Education and Media

One of the pivotal moments for my linguistic development was the Newspaper in Education (NIE) program, initiated by the renowned The Times of India Group. Even though I no longer read newspapers, the regular exposure shaped my vocabulary and analytical skills significantly. In school, we were introduced to newspapers, particularly the Editorial section, the Speaking Tree column, and opinion pieces by distinguished authors such as V. S. Naipaul, Jugal Suraiya, Shobhaa De, and even M. J. Akbar. These insightful columns somehow found their way into my head and influenced my university assignments, demonstrating the profound impact of consistent language exposure.

Emphasizing Formal Reading Over SMS Lingo

Another piece of advice I would offer is to always opt for formal reading and writing, avoiding the overly informal language of text messaging. Phrases like “cn u cum over” not only lack proper grammar but also contribute to a decline in the richness of our vocabulary. It is imperative to use proper English in all forms of correspondence, as it fosters a deeper engagement with the language and enhances cognitive skills.

The Pleasure of Vocabulary Games and Apps

Moreover, engaging in vocabulary-building games can be incredibly rewarding and educational. Since downloading an app on my phone, my trips by train have become fertile ground for learning new words and improving my general knowledge. Games like word puzzles, trivia quizzes, and vocabulary exercises not only provide entertainment but also challenge the mind and expand one's lexicon.

Personal Experience with Multilingualism

My childhood was rich in multilingual experiences. My mother primarily spoke Marathi and my father predominantly spoke Kannada. We were all exposed to both languages from a young age, and I attended a Marathi-medium school, where I was later introduced to Hindi and English as part of the curriculum. It was my mother who consistently pushed me to find English and Hindi words within the news articles and storybooks. She would also quiz me on Marathi and Kannada words, making me look them up in the English newspaper at home, often with secret help from my father, adding an exciting element of challenge to our interactions.

My father played a significant role in expanding my linguistic exposure by introducing me to non-academic books in all the languages. At a young age, I was fortunate enough to read classics such as Around the World in Eighty Days in Marathi, Hindi, and English. This was a significant milestone for me, as it made me realize the joy of reading the same story in different languages, particularly when it came to the essence and nuances of the story.

The Importance of Reading Across Languages

Thanks to the constant exposure to a variety of languages from an early age, my linguistic horizons were broadened significantly. Learning Marathi and Kannada words by looking up English equivalents, along with occasional access to Kannada newspapers, helped solidify my vocabulary and understanding of the languages.

My Journey in English

For those interested in learning more about my experiments with the English language, I have compiled a series of Indian-flavored short stories titled Indian Flavour Short Stories which are available in digital formats on Amazon and Kindle. This series showcases the rich narratives and cultural nuances of the Indian experience, perfect for those looking to explore English literature with a local touch.

As we continue to learn and grow, embracing language and nurturing our vocabulary is more essential than ever. Whether through traditional methods like reading newspapers or modern tools like language apps, the key is to engage deeply with the language and make it an integral part of our daily lives.