The cultural and linguistic impact of Indian cuisine on modern English

Salikhova Dilrabo Alisherovna

Teacher of English language at "Artel technical school"

Keywords

Indian cuisine, cultural identity, English vocabulary, lexical borrowing, intercultural communication, globalization, culinary traditions.

Abstract

This article explores Indian cuisine as a reflection of cultural identity and examines its significant influence on English vocabulary and intercultural communication. Indian culinary traditions represent thousands of years of historical evolution, shaped by regional diversity, religious philosophy, and foreign interactions. Through trade, colonization, migration, and modern globalization, Indian food culture has expanded globally. Concurrently, the English language has adopted numerous Indian culinary terms—such as curry, chai, masala, chutney, naan, and tandoori—demonstrating lexical borrowing and cultural exchange. The study highlights how food functions as a universal language that promotes cross-cultural understanding, bridges social divides, and enriches global communication in an interconnected world.

References

Achaya, K. T. A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food. Oxford University Press. 1988.

Collingham, L. Curry: A Tale of Cooks and Conquerors. Oxford University Press. 2006.

Yule, H., & Burnell, A. C. Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and of Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive (W. Crooke, Ed.; 2nd ed.). John Murray. 1903.

Published


06-10-2026

Section


Articles