Indianism (ɪnˈdiənɪzəm) refers to a word or phrase that is specific to Indian English. It can also refer to a cultural, linguistic or social characteristic that is peculiar to India. The spelling of Indianism follows the common rules of English spelling. The word is comprised of seven letters - I, N, D, I, A, N, and I. Each letter is pronounced according to standard English phonetic rules. The phonetic transcription of Indianism is important for non-native speakers who may face difficulties in pronouncing the word accurately.
Indianism is a term that encompasses various meanings depending on its context. In its broadest sense, Indianism refers to the characteristic traits, customs, beliefs, or practices associated with the indigenous peoples of India. This can include their language, art, architecture, clothing, rituals, music, and cuisine. Indianism can also be used to describe the study, appreciation, and preservation of these indigenous elements within Indian culture.
Furthermore, the term can be employed in the field of literature and arts to denote the incorporation of Indian themes, motifs, or literary techniques into creative works. It implies the highlighting of Indian cultural aspects, such as mythology, folklore, spirituality, and social traditions, as well as the exploration of Indian identity or the portrayal of Indian characters, settings, and social issues.
Indianism can also be understood as a political or ideological movement that seeks to assert or promote Indian values, interests, or identity. This may involve a rejection of Western cultural influences and a desire to establish a distinct Indian cultural and social framework. In this sense, Indianism can be seen as a manifestation of cultural nationalism.
In summary, whether referring to the indigenous elements of Indian culture, their incorporation into artistic expressions, or the political movement to preserve Indian identity, Indianism relates to the celebration, exploration, and preservation of Indian traditions, values, or perspectives.
The word "Indianism" has a varied etymology depending on the context in which it is used.
1. In the context of literary criticism and cultural studies:
The term "Indianism" originated in the 19th century in relation to Latin American literature. During this period, a movement known as "Indianismo" emerged, which aimed to celebrate and incorporate indigenous cultural elements into literature and arts. The term "Indianism" specifies the indigenous cultural influence in Latin American literary and artistic works. It comes from the Latin word "Indus", meaning "Indian", combined with the suffix "-ism" to indicate a movement or ideology.
2. In linguistic context:
In linguistics, an "Indianism" refers to a word, phrase, or grammatical construction that is characteristic of or primarily used in Indian English, that is, English as spoken in India.