A million too many

English language is all set to conquer a new milestone. By the end of August, it will have a sum total of one million words.
While the English-speaking population might feel great about it, the situation will also enhance the ���inexcusable ignorance��� of vocabulary. Solving crosswords might become next to impossible, and there will be an overall rise in the number of wrong spellings.The rate at which words are added to English lexicon would make an ignoramus out of William Shakespeare who, it is said, would barely score 6 out of 10 for his verbal ability!
The average man uses less than 14,000 words to respond to his communication needs, while the exceptionally gifted ones are said to toy with about 70,000 words. Bestselling author Chetan Bhagat opines, ���One doesn���t need a million words to express oneself. Two simple words are better than one complicated word.��� Well, that seems to be a sentiment shared by even a common man as well.
Language for language���s sake could be a poetic ideal, but it has very little utilitarian value. Aishwarya Chavan, a manager and literary enthusiast, says, ���It���s good to know that English language will be richer by so many words. But, the actual value of words lies in introducing them in common usage.��� In our frenzy to coin new terms, we should not overlook the fact that language must help communication and not complicate it, she adds.
The great divide between written English and conversational English is mainly due to the uncontrolled accumulation of new words in the language. Soibal Datta, a copywriter, says, ���This will bring more ambiguity to the language as new words will pave the way for newer phrases and idioms. Some common words will lose their value.��� In fact, Soibal feels that the lexicon has to be stripped off many words that have meaninglessly crept into it.
But, there are those who are happy about the progress made by English lexicon. Abhijit Chaudhari, a software engineer and voracious reader, says, ���English language enriched itself by assimilating words from other languages. That is what makes it a universal language and a growing language too.��� The accommodative spirit of the language attracts people to it and also makes it culturally acceptable, adds Abhijit.
Agreed, each new word enhances the vocabulary of a language. But, how many words we can really appreciate and understand is a million-dollar question.
amit.durgapal@timesgroup.com