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A recent incident in Bengaluru has sparked a debate about language sensitivity and online platforms. A Kannada-speaking man, known as @Metikurke on 'X' (formerly Twitter), took to the platform to express his outrage at receiving notifications from Blinkit, a delivery app, in Hindi. He labelled Hindi an 'alien language' and threatened to file a police complaint if he received another notification in that language.
The man's frustration stemmed from a notification he received, which read, “Dekho ye order 12 minutes mein deliver ho gaya (See this order was delivered in just 12 minutes).” He claimed that he was offended by the use of Hindi, stating that “Blinkit sent a harmful notification and wished me ‘Gaya,’ which means ‘wound’ in Kannada.” He demanded that Blinkit communicate in Kannada, the official language of Bengaluru, and questioned why they were operating in the city if they couldn't offer services in the local language.
His complaint, accompanied by a screenshot of his conversation with Blinkit's support team, went viral on social media. It quickly attracted attention and garnered widespread reactions, with many users expressing their disbelief and amusement. Social media users criticized the man's reaction, pointing out that he could have simply turned off notifications if he was bothered by them. One user remarked, “Only shows that people need to get jobs and have a life. You could have simply closed notifications. Instead you sit and think of every situation where we can do a language angle.” Another user chimed in, “Bhai literally you could have used turn off notifications option. But no, i have so much free time that i can tweet this in Twitter and enjoy engagement and reach.”
This incident highlights a growing trend of individuals expressing their discomfort with the use of languages other than their own in online spaces. While language sensitivity is important, it's crucial to remember that online platforms are often used by diverse communities and users with different language preferences. The man's reaction, however, has been met with ridicule and criticism, with many users questioning his overreaction and highlighting the availability of simple solutions such as turning off notifications.
The incident also raises questions about the role of online platforms in fostering inclusivity and addressing linguistic diversity. While it is important for platforms to be mindful of language preferences and cater to diverse user bases, it is equally important to avoid perpetuating linguistic nationalism and fostering division among users.
Source: Bengaluru Man Scolds Blinkit For Sending Notifications in Hindi: 'No Alien Language Nonsense'