As India rapidly urbanises, its younger generations are caught in a linguistic tug-of-war. On one side lies the rich heritage of dialects, unique to specific regions and communities, that have been passed down through generations. On the other side stand the languages seen as gateways to opportunity—English, Hindi, and other regional languages with more excellent utility in education, career, and social mobility. In this balancing act, dialects are often pushed to the periphery, perceived by many young Indians as less relevant or even obsolete in the fast-paced, urban world they inhabit.

This shift isn’t just about language; it’s about identity, culture, and the values we choose to carry into the future. As younger Indians lean toward languages that promise career advancement and modernity, they risk losing their dialects and cultural heritage. Let’s explore the forces driving this disconnection and what it means for India’s linguistic future.

For today’s youth, language is increasingly viewed as a practical tool rather than a cultural artefact. Urban centres like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi serve as melting pots where people from different linguistic backgrounds converge. Yet, a shared need for efficient communication often prioritises Hindi or English over native dialects.

In India’s education and job markets, languages like English and Hindi hold substantial power. English is often seen as a necessity for those aspiring to enter corporate sectors, international companies, or prestigious universities. This trend has created an implicit hierarchy in which dialects—spoken chiefly at home or in local communities—are seen as less valuable or even as barriers to success. For many young Indians, choosing to use a more widely spoken language is a conscious decision to enhance their social mobility and professional prospects.'

As urbanisation accelerates, people move from villages to cities, seeking better education, jobs, and opportunities. In these urban environments, communities are no longer defined by shared dialects or local cultures. For young Indians growing up in cities, their grandparents' dialects often feel foreign or outdated, and many never learn them. Dialects that once thrived in tight-knit rural communities struggle to find relevance in the cosmopolitan urban setting.

This phenomenon is visible across India. In Maharashtra, for example, younger generations in cities like Mumbai or Pune are likelier to speak a standardised form of Marathi than their grandparents' dialects in rural regions. Similarly, the rich dialects of Bihar—like Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi—are less prevalent among young Biharis in metropolitan cities. These dialects gradually disappear from the urban landscape without frequent exposure and communal reinforcement.

The language of media and pop culture significantly shapes linguistic preferences. Hindi and English dominate the television, film, and music industries, setting a standard for “cool” or “modern.” Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram often cater to an audience that prefers mainstream languages, making it rare to find content in dialects like Marwari, Tulu, or Chhattisgarhi.

For young Indians, consuming media in Hindi or English creates a sense of shared experience and identity, while dialects are viewed as symbols of a more provincial, less “glamorous” past. This shift changes language use and subtly influences how young people see their heritage. In this context, Dialects become something to be left behind rather than celebrated.

Losing touch with dialects isn’t merely about losing words—it’s about losing a unique lens on identity and culture. Dialects carry a wealth of cultural knowledge, local expressions, and values specific to communities. In many cases, dialects include phrases, idioms, and stories that don’t translate easily into other languages, offering insights into a community’s worldview, history, and way of life.

Take Kumaoni, which is spoken in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. For the Kumaoni youth moving to cities, the dialect diminishes in relevance despite being a repository of folklore, songs, and idiomatic expressions deeply tied to their cultural heritage. Similarly, dialects in Rajasthan reference the desert landscape, local festivals, and traditional practices that don’t have equivalents in other languages. When young people abandon these dialects, they risk losing a connection to this distinct cultural richness.

The sense of community also shifts. Dialects once served as markers of belonging, connecting individuals within villages or neighbourhoods. In urban areas, however, where people speak a mix of Hindi, English, and regional languages, dialects lose this role. The result is often a fragmented sense of identity, where cultural roots are replaced with a more homogenised, global identity lacking local dialects' depth and nuance.

Interestingly, digital media has proven to be both a challenge and an opportunity for dialect preservation. While mainstream media seldom offers content in dialects, social media has enabled individuals to produce and share content in their native dialects. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and ShareChat have witnessed the rise of creators who embrace dialects, making content that appeals to a niche audience and celebrates linguistic diversity.

However, dialect-based media often has a limited reach compared to mainstream Hindi or English content. The audience for dialect-based media remains relatively small, and while these efforts are impactful, they don’t necessarily change the perception of dialects among the broader youth. For every video or meme in Bhojpuri or Awadhi, thousands more are produced in Hindi or English, reinforcing the idea that dialects are peripheral in modern communication.

The future of dialects in urban India depends on intentional, collective efforts to preserve and celebrate them. Language initiatives in schools, local storytelling events, and dialect-focused media channels could be crucial in keeping these linguistic traditions alive. Recognising the value of dialects as cultural assets, some educational institutions have introduced programs that teach regional languages, allowing children to engage with their heritage.

Additionally, organisations focused on cultural preservation, like the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, are working to document and archive dialects for future generations. Documenting dialects—through oral histories, dictionaries, and digital archives—is essential for ensuring that even if fewer people speak them, the knowledge embedded in these languages is not entirely lost.

For India’s youth, engaging with dialects could be a way of grounding themselves in a rapidly changing world, providing a sense of continuity amid the demands of urban life and global career aspirations. As urbanisation continues, creating spaces where dialects are preserved and celebrated as a core part of India’s diverse identity is crucial. Dialects may not provide the career advantages of more dominant languages, but they hold irreplaceable value in connecting younger generations to their roots.