How a South Indian Language Spread Across the World
How a South Indian Language Spread Across the World
Telugu is a Dravidian language spoken by about 112 million people in India, mainly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is the second most spoken language in India and the 12th most spoken native language in the world. But did you know that Telugu is also spoken by millions of people in other countries, from Asia to Africa, from Oceania to America?
In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history and culture of the Telugu diaspora, the people who have migrated from their homeland are descendants of those who did. We will see how they have preserved their language and identity, and also adapted to their new environments and circumstances.
The Telugu Boom
One of the most recent and remarkable phenomena in the Telugu diaspora is the Telugu Boom, which refers to the large-scale migration of Telugu speaking people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the United States of America since the late 1980s. This was mainly driven by the demand for skilled workers and students in the fields of information technology, engineering, medicine and business. As of 2017, one in every four Indians going to USA is a Telugu person.
The Telugu Boom has created a vibrant and influential community of Telugu Americans, who have made significant contributions to the American society and economy. They have also maintained their language and culture, and have established various associations, temples, media outlets and events to promote their heritage and interests. Telugu is now the fastest-growing language in the United States.
Telugu speakers in other countries:
India: 81,127,740 (2011)
USA: 446,000 (2017)
United Arab Emirates: 455,000 (2017)
Saudi Arabia: 377,000 (2017)
Sri Lanka: 230,000 (2017)
Myanmar: 137000 (2017)
Malaysia: 124,000 (2017)
Australia: 59,400 (2016)
Canada: 54,685 (2016)
Fiji: 34,000 (2007)
Bangladesh: 40,000 (2017)
United Kingdom: 33,000 (2017)
Singapore: 30,000 (2017)
Mauritius: 20,000 (2017)
Bahrain: 18,700 (2017)
Trinidad and Tobago: 15,000 (2001)
Oman: 13,300 (2017)
Guyana: 10,000 (2001)
Suriname: 7,000 (2001)
New Zealand: 5,754 (2018)
South Africa: 5,000 (2001)
The above statistical data is recorded long time back and it must have increased 10 - 15 percent by 2023.
The Colonial Legacy
Another major factor that shaped the Telugu diaspora was the British colonial rule in India, which lasted from the 18th to the 20th century. During this period, many Telugus were recruited or coerced to work as indentured laborers in various British colonies around the world, especially in plantations, mines and railways. They were often subjected to harsh conditions and exploitation, but they also resisted and survived.
Some of the countries where Telugus were taken as indentured laborers are Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Myanmar and South Africa. In these countries, Telugus have formed sizable communities that have preserved their language and culture for generations. They have also faced challenges such as discrimination, marginalization, violence and political instability. They have participated in the social and economic development of their host countries, but have also struggled for their rights and recognition.
The Global Citizens
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, there are also other reasons why Telugus have migrated or settled in different countries around the world. Some of them are trade, education, tourism, marriage, adventure or simply curiosity. Some of these countries are Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and many more.
In these countries, Telugus are mostly immigrants who have arrived in recent decades from India or other countries. They are mostly professionals, students or skilled workers who have come for higher education or better prospects. They live in urban areas and speak Telugu at home, but also use other languages as official or common languages. They are mostly Hindus, but some belong to other faiths. They have formed cultural and social organizations to promote their language and heritage.
The Telugu Trail
The Telugu diaspora is a diverse and dynamic phenomenon that reflects the history and culture of a South Indian language that has spread across the world. It is a story of migration and adaptation, of preservation and innovation, of struggle and success. It is a story that deserves to be told and celebrated.
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