Language is a tool for communication, but should it be used to judge a person’s intelligence? Absolutely not. Unfortunately, not everyone shares this perspective. A recent controversy sparked by a German influencer highlights how language differences can lead to unnecessary criticism and cultural misunderstandings.
The Controversy: “Expired” vs. “Passed Away”
A German influencer, who shares content about Indian culture, recently posted a video on Instagram mocking how Indians use the word “expired” to refer to someone’s death. The clip, which included her laughing about the usage, did not sit well with many Indians. In the video, she recalled a conversation where an Indian man told her that his wife had “expired.” She found the phrasing odd, comparing it to how prescriptions expire, not people. Her caption asked viewers if they also used the term, adding, “No judgment,” though many perceived it otherwise.
The video quickly went viral, sparking backlash. Many Indians criticized the influencer for ridiculing their language, with some pointing out that “expired” is a medically accepted term. A comment read, “India has more doctors than your country, so Indians commonly use clinical terminology. In hospitals, we don’t say ‘The patient died at 8:00 PM’; instead, we say, ‘The patient expired at 8:00 PM.’” Others called out her lack of cultural understanding, suggesting that instead of mocking Indian vocabulary, she should educate herself on medical terminology.
View this post on Instagram
Cultural Differences in Language Usage
This incident sheds light on how language evolves within different cultures. English, though widely spoken in India, has adapted to local linguistic influences. Words take on new meanings based on context, history, and cultural usage. In India, terms like “expired” in medical settings are commonly used to indicate death. Similarly, many Indian English phrases, such as “passing out” (graduating) or “prepone” (opposite of postpone), are not typically used in Western English but are grammatically valid.
Criticism of such linguistic differences stems from linguistic bias, where one assumes that their version of English is superior. However, language is fluid, constantly evolving across regions. American English, British English, and Indian English all have unique expressions that differ but serve the same purpose—communication.
Should Language Determine Intelligence?
This controversy raises an important question: Should someone’s use of language be a metric to judge their intelligence? The answer is a resounding no. Language proficiency does not equate to intellect. Many non-native English speakers are highly skilled professionals, scholars, and innovators. Criticizing someone for their choice of words, especially when they are speaking in a second or third language, is an unfair judgment.
Also Read : Mumbai to Mahakumbh: A Journey of Faith, Kindness, and Adventure
Instead of mocking linguistic differences, it’s essential to embrace them as a reflection of cultural diversity. A globalized world requires more tolerance and understanding of how languages evolve. Rather than seeing differences as errors, we should view them as enriching our global communication.
The German influencer, who is learning Hindi herself, may have unintentionally sparked a debate, but the lesson here is clear—language should unite, not divide
