You are starting a conversation with someone whose language preferences you do not know. Their name or location may suggest possibilities, but neither tells you which language they want to use for this task.
Ask directly when it matters: ‘Would you prefer to continue in English or Hindi?’ If you can only support certain languages, be clear about that rather than implying unlimited fluency.
A person may prefer one language for casual conversation and another for technical material. They may understand a spoken language more easily than they read it, or prefer a particular script. Let the task and their answer guide the choice.
Avoid turning the question into a test of identity. Someone does not need to justify why they prefer a language associated with a different region or community.
For a group, choose a form everyone participating can follow. A quick translation or a plain-language summary may help, but check that it preserves the meaning.
The practical goal is shared understanding. Before assuming a preference, consider whether a short question would be simpler and more respectful. Communication tools should support that same choice, allowing the user to update the language for a particular relationship without being locked into a profile inferred from background information.