18 Years in Bengaluru, Still No Kannada: Viral Post Sparks Heated Language Debate
Bengaluru: A social media post by a Bengaluru resident has reignited the long-standing debate on language, integration, and regional identity. The post, shared by X (formerly Twitter) user Prajwal Bhat, described how a friend of his, despite living in Bengaluru for 18 years, has never attempted to learn Kannada — the local language — and recently accused Kannadigas of being "biased."
Bhat wrote, “After 18 years in Bangalore, my friend hasn't voted or learnt Kannada. My initial efforts to teach her conversational phrases didn't work out. Recently, she said Kannadigas are biased. By the way, our interactions are now limited.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering reactions from across the country. Many users expressed shock and disappointment at the refusal to engage with the local culture, especially after nearly two decades of living in Karnataka's capital.
“This is bad, even after living in one place for 18 years someone not learning the local language is really bad,” commented one user, echoing the sentiments of many.
The issue has once again highlighted the challenges of cultural assimilation in rapidly growing urban centers like Bengaluru, where people from across India settle for work and lifestyle. While the city has a reputation for being cosmopolitan and welcoming, locals have increasingly voiced concerns over the erosion of their linguistic and cultural identity.
The debate isn't new. Over the years, Kannada activists and cultural advocates have called for newcomers to at least learn basic Kannada as a sign of respect and integration. Others argue that Bengaluru’s multilingual nature makes it naturally accommodating — and that imposing language expectations could alienate non-native residents.
Prajwal Bhat’s experience has now become a symbol of a larger issue — the delicate balance between inclusivity and cultural preservation. As the post continues to stir conversations online, it also raises an important question: How long is too long to live in a place without learning its language?
Whether seen as a call for respect or a symptom of deeper societal divides, the debate around Kannada in Bengaluru is far from over.
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