[Brajeshwar]

Very True. Like most Indians, my wife and I are fluent in English, Hindi and our regional language (Manipuri). Our kids are raised outside our region, so we have adapted the 2-language tactic (1 Parent - 1 language). So, English is the default and our regional language as the optional for our kids.

Indian languages are also pretty similar by regions. I spent 10 years in Bombay which made my Hindi really good. This also meant that I kinda know and can understand quite a bit of Marathi and Gujarathi. As I'm fluent in Hindi, I can also understand most people in the north and center speaking Hindi-esque languages too.

We are in the south for the past 6+ years, and I can begin to understand Kannada for the most common words.

Here is a personal fun-fact. I'm from the northeast and we have the "Asian" look and not the typical Indian. Most of the times, I default/pretend to not knowing Hindi unless communicated to. Lots of fun when people talk around me; assuming I would not understand them. More fun - when I'm outside India and Indians talk shit, defamatory, derogatory, embarrassing, things about other people and about themselves in Hindi - I always pretend I don't understand them at all.

[akhilcacharya]

> So, English is the default and our regional language as the optional for our kids.

Why is that?

[Brajeshwar]

I believe it is more circumstantial rather than our intention. The region where we originated also contributes to it. English is the common language amongst the many dialects and languages there. When I was growing up, it was only at home and the neighbor that I got to speak our language. The school was the ultimate mix of languages and English was the only way. If you know the North-Eastern India, it will be a lot easier to comprehend.

Now to our kids' generation, most of whom are raised outside of the region. And thanks to the intermingling marriages, it is even worst. Just in our family, our kids' cousins are Americans, Marathis, Biharis, Khasis, Tankhuls, Nagas, et al. I'm still discovering more and list will sure increase. Not just communities, our extended family is an amalgamation of Athiest, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and what not.

Sometimes, during fateful summer vacations or a big family ceremony, when all the kids play come together, their common language is — you guessed it — English. They all talk a blend of many but English remains the de facto that everyone can communicate.