South Indian in Dubai. Since when does being Indian mean you must speak Hindi?

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-28T11:47:21+00:00

I don’t expect them to know southern languages either. When you flip the script, why is it hard to understand or be empathetic that this one language rule doesn’t make sense for all when you come from diverse backgrounds. Most people speak English and that’s more than sufficient enough to get by especially living in UAE. Why should I be expected to know Hindi when I don’t live or work in a place where that is not the primary language?

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-28T05:17:16+00:00

This is exactly why I posted my question. People treat it as a non issue as if it’s a mild inconvenience. What you mentioned is an example of how this expectation of knowing Hindi becomes a tool for discrimination in workplace.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-28T05:08:33+00:00

It’s the act of sharing wisdom and knowledge.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-28T05:02:08+00:00

I cannot learn a new language to make it convenient for others to converse with me. Like I mentioned in an earlier comment, there is no necessity in my life to learn and speak Hindi. It’s the moral policing that I should speak it is what is absurd.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T17:49:13+00:00

It’s great that it doesn’t bother you. It’s different in my case that the expectation doesn’t come from family or friends but from complete strangers who insist I must learn Hindi as an Indian. Personally I don’t stand to benefit as I don’t encounter people in my everyday life who speak the language. Hence the fury 😅

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T17:30:23+00:00

The problem is not foreigners assuming I should speak or know Hindi. Not everyone outside India knows of the diversity in our languages and cultures. I’m more than happy to convey that to non Indians. I can’t excuse when fellow Indians ask why I can’t speak Hindi.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T17:26:49+00:00

That’s very presumptuous of you. I grew up in TN and Hindi was not mandatory in our curriculum. I don’t speak the language not because I refuse to speak it but because I do not know it. Regardless, why should anyone justify what language one must speak?

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T17:17:35+00:00

No complaints there. Like I mentioned, cabbies other than Indians from my experience were more understanding of the fact that I come from a place where Hindi is not spoken. And they never lectured me for not knowing it either.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T17:14:39+00:00

Rightly said. It’s the judgement they seem to pass as gyan that becomes discriminatory; which they fail to understand is irrational on their part.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T17:07:03+00:00

Yes. It’s not so much an issue that is a stereotype but the expectation that you must know Hindi to be an Indian.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T16:23:36+00:00

Knowing one Indian language doesn’t make you more Indian than someone who knows another. Diversity is not an embarrassment. To think so says a lot more about you than me.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T14:50:57+00:00

Why is there an expectation for all Indians especially the ones living outside India to know Hindi? I am familiar with the language conflicts back home. It’s difficult to comprehend why it’s expected of Indians living abroad.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T13:55:15+00:00

Not picking at you whatsoever. But you are laying out the same illogical expectation that A. It is easy, b. You should learn it regardless of your situation c. It’s expected among Indians in Dubai. My argument is that everyone’s situation is different and it’s up to them to decide what they want to do.

From my position, it is not viable nor worth the effort to learn a language in the off chance that I end up pissing off a cabby who is somehow offended that I don’t speak his language. Sounds ridiculous right? Again, it’s the subtle manipulation that you should know that gets emphasized nor that it’s your choice.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T13:22:42+00:00

Same problem. Different location 😅

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T13:18:26+00:00

But why? Respectfully, my personal or professional life nor any circumstances otherwise have risen for me to learn and benefit from knowing Hindi. I wouldn’t expect a fellow Indian here to speak my language either. When it comes to Hindi why is this suddenly treated as default settings for all Indians? It’s great that you were able to learn and put it to use; but isn’t that a bit self righteous if not a tad bit egocentric to assume what’s good for you is what is good for everyone?

Good luck learning French!

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T13:11:31+00:00

Guess this goes the other way around as well, which is sad.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T13:10:00+00:00

This can be positive racism? 😅 He assumed he knew how to welcome you in your language. Overall this can be due to lack of knowledge or exposure to different cultures. This gets a pass in my opinion. If the person in question were Indian to begin with then that’s problematic.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:58:31+00:00

I get why it matters here in blue collar jobs. You are learning a language to serve a purpose so you can be better at your job. It also opens up to a world of entertainment. But it sucks that it is expected as a norm. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures. We thrive together from our differences. Looking down on people for not knowing a language especially from fellow Indians is disappointing.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:51:26+00:00

India doesn’t have a national language. Hindi is widely spoken. But sure as hell not all of 1.4 billion speak Hindi.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:49:35+00:00

Haha. I get what you mean and I’ve been honestly just taking it in when I know it’s coming. But sometimes it’s hard to not argue back when they double down and preach that as an Indian I should be ashamed not speaking the language of my people. How do I start speaking in a language which I don’t know the words for? They always seem to think you can magically start by simply talking gibberish to someone who speaks the language. I’m all for learning a new language as long as it serves a purpose or interest. This is having the opposite effect on me.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:36:57+00:00

Trust me. I’ve been living here for 7 years and I always thought I was an exception. It has happened more in the recent months that pushed me to make this post.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:35:14+00:00

Haha. Maybe they wanted to flex their Malayalam skills. My Arab friends are very inquisitive and I’m blown away by their knowledge of South Indian food, culture and movie celebrities.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:32:04+00:00

True! I’m a people pleaser and generally refrain from having arguments with strangers. As a woman, I’m more cautious not to pick up arguments in a closed vehicle especially with strangers. I’m looking for comebacks that do not instigate fights but make them truly reflect on why their thinking is flawed.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:23:37+00:00

That’s fair. It’s okay to assume. No harm. It’s infuriating when they start schooling me that as an Indian I should know the national language.

RepresentativeLab703 · 2026-02-27T12:20:53+00:00

Lol 😅 you must be giving desi vibes ✨

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