Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2026
Abstract
This paper explores how English fluency in India is often linked to perceptions of intelligence, competence and social status. Through four interviews with Dartmouth students from India and analysis of the films Hindi Medium and English Vinglish we found English can shape schooling access, confidence, respect, and opportunity, whilst also reflecting inequalities in class, privilege, and prior educational exposure. Our findings suggest that the high value placed on English can reinforce unfair social hierarchies by making unequal access appear like individual merit.
Dartmouth Digital Commons Citation
Steadman, Arianna and Vaidya, Aakanksh, "Speaking Merit: English Fluency, Class, and Perceived Ability in India" (2026). Research Papers and Posters from ASCL 60.20: Languages and Scripts of Gender, Class, and Nation. 6.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/ascl_60-20/6
