Opinion: The Urgent Need to Preserve Indigenous Languages
October 3 marked a significant decision by the Indian government—the recognition of five new classical languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This move increased the total number of classical languages recognized in India to 11. While this decision was celebrated by some, it also sparked a debate about political motivations and whether the focus should instead be on preserving disappearing indigenous languages.
The Backdrop of India’s Classical Language Recognition
The recent decision by the Centre to grant classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali is underpinned by various factors, including cultural pride and political maneuvering. Notably, the push for Marathi's recognition was driven by consistent demands from Maharashtra's MPs, and now, just before the state assembly elections, the timing suggests a strategic move that could appease the Marathi-speaking electorate.
Odia, considered by some as a dialect of Bengali, achieved this prestigious status back in 2014, sparking curiosity as to why Bengali had to wait a decade longer. The timing of Bengali and Assamese gaining the classical status also aligns suspiciously with upcoming elections in West Bengal and Assam, raising questions about the motivations behind such inclusions.
Revised Criteria for Classical Status
The initial criteria for granting classical status included a high antiquity of early texts, a documented history of 1,500-2,000 years, a distinct body of ancient literature, and an original literary tradition. These requirements presented challenges in verification due to the inherent interconnectedness of ancient languages. Consequently, the pivotal requirement of an “original literary tradition” was dropped, simplifying the path for these languages to be deemed classical.
Once declared classical, these languages benefit from government efforts to promote them. These efforts include international scholarships, centres of excellence, and university professorships, which are all essential to preserve and cultivate these languages. However, the focus on mainstream languages tends to overshadow the critical need to protect the numerous indigenous languages at serious risk of extinction.
The Plight of Indigenous Languages
UNESCO highlights that a staggering 2,469 languages are at risk of extinction. The forces of globalization, led by dominant languages such as English, pose a serious threat to indigenous languages. Historical contexts, migration patterns, and absence of written forms have contributed to the rapid decline of such languages, with Irish (Gaeilge) being a prime example of an official yet endangered language.
The prediction that half of the world's 7,000 documented languages might disappear by the end of the century is alarming. Research from The Australian National University identifies a direct correlation between language death and higher education levels, where dominant languages taught in schools marginalize indigenous tongues.
Beyond cultural erosion, language loss is exacerbated by seemingly unconnected developments like infrastructure expansions and climate change. Increased connectivity through roads facilitates the spread of dominant languages, effectively sidelining minority languages. Moreover, climate-induced displacements, forcing communities to relocate, further jeopardize linguistic diversity as those displaced assimilate with new language communities.
Cultural, Historical, and Intellectual Loss
The extinction of an indigenous language is akin to losing an entire culture, history, and unique worldview. Allowing such languages to fade is comparable to the cultural devastation of burning books or bombing museums during wartime. Each language encompasses unique knowledge, traditions, and philosophies that enrich human understanding. The potential loss of these languages means a historical erasure that impoverishes the collective human heritage.
Efforts to Revive Endangered Languages
Initiatives like the Rosetta Project and the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) offer hope by focusing global efforts on revitalizing endangered languages. The Rosetta Project's digital library effort aims to preserve linguistic diversity, capturing both living and endangered languages for future generations.
Similarly, UNESCO's initiative builds on the momentum from the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages by fostering networks of stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding indigenous linguistic rights. Examples such as the revival of Cornish in the UK, supported by online communities, and the Haida language film 'SGaawaay K’uuna' in Canada illustrate successful paths to language preservation and revitalization.
A Need for Shifted Priorities
India stands at a crossroads where recognizing mainstream languages must not eclipse the essential task of saving indigenous languages. The government would do well to emulate international projects like those spearheaded by UNESCO and the Rosetta Project, which strategically work towards preserving languages that are an integral part of the world's cultural mosaic.
The urgent need is apparent — investing in the revitalization and preservation of indigenous languages is not just preserving words but entire cultures, identities, and histories. This endeavor calls for a concerted effort, transcending political interests, to maintain humanity’s diverse linguistic heritage for future generations.
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