From Complexity to Clarity: Modifying the Hunterian Transliteration of Hindi

Abstract

This study examines the process of Romanization of Hindi, with a particular focus on the widely used Hunterian notation. Although Hunterian notation is praised for its simplicity and intuitiveness, it is not without shortcomings. These include inconsistencies in the representation of compound consonants, phonological nuances, and loanwords. These shortcomings impede the effectiveness of the system for learners and its use in global communication. In order to address these issues, the study puts forward a series of proposed modifications with the aim of enhancing the granularity and consistency of the Hunterian system. The objective of these modifications is to retain the simplicity of the original system while enhancing its capacity to accurately represent the phonological features of Hindi. The proposed system offers a practical benefit to those learning, teaching and using Hindi by providing a consistent, intuitive and accurate Romanization framework. Moreover, the study highlights the necessity for standardization in Hindi Romanization to facilitate global communication and language learning.