This paper considers some aspects of the role of language in the maintenance of social and cultural identity by examining the identity potential of Indian English in the United States. A main point is that identity concepts cannot be taken at face value, but must be considered in terms of their sociocultural consequences. In the case of Indian English, the co-existence of standard American English and the local nonstandard code is an indication of the desire to maintain an Indian identity, of not wanting to conform completely with Anglo norms. A second point concerns the responsibility of the social sciences to go beyond mere documentation. In this case, the social scientist has the responsibility to reveal the contradictions inherent in the use of the identity concept. That is, while a desire to encourage the use of local nonstandard codes may be well-meaning, it also encourages de facto segregation of the Indian community from the mainstream of American life. It is therefore suggested that Indian education programs aim for control over the standard Anglo code as well as the local Indian language. (AM)