A language grows and develops when new words are added to it. Such growth is beneficial for any language. However, it is best when those new words are created from within the language itself. When words from other languages are borrowed and used unchanged, the language gradually loses its ability to generate new words of its own.
What is even more concerning is that, in many cases, foreign words are used even where native Telugu words already exist. As a result, Telugu has reached a stage where the amount of Telugu within Telugu is as little as the proverbial drop of ghee in a bottle-gourd.
Everyday Language or Telugu?
This is often the first challenge faced by anyone trying to teach or learn Telugu.
If we want to use the language of everyday speech, we seem to have to give up Telugu. If we want pure Telugu, we seem to have to give up everyday usage.
Over many centuries, so many words from other languages have blended into Telugu that it is often difficult to tell whether a word is truly Telugu or not. Because of this, removing such commonly used borrowed words is not nearly as easy as it sounds.
Our Order of Preference for Refined Telugu Vocabulary Always use Telugu words that are still in common usage first.
Sometimes a native Telugu word exists, but a Telugu form derived from a foreign-language word has become more common in usage. Such words are often called vikruti forms. In these cases, write the Telugu word first and place the commonly used vikruti form in parentheses.
Example: Māpu (Rēyi).
At other times, a Telugu word exists, but a foreign-language word is used directly in everyday speech. In such cases, write the Telugu word first and place the commonly used foreign word in parentheses.
Example: Kāru (R̥tuvu).
Where no native Telugu word exists, use newly coined Telugu words created by scholars and language enthusiasts such as S. Vem. Ramesh or Vachaspathi, and place the commonly used foreign-language word in parentheses. However, such newly coined words should be used only when their origin and derivation are known and understood. If none of the above is practical, use the foreign-language word that is already in common use, preserving its pronunciation as it is spoken. Why Follow This Approach?
The benefit of this method is that it allows us to move gradually from merely using colloquial Telugu toward consciously using Telugu vocabulary itself. Rather than making an abrupt break from everyday speech, it helps us take steady steps toward strengthening and enriching the language through actual usage.