Dying Languages of India: Preservation and Documentation Efforts

India, a land of diverse languages, has seen several languages fade away over time. These languages, rich in history and culture, represent a significant part of India's rich linguistic heritage. Understanding and preserving these endangered languages is crucial to safeguarding the cultural diversity and knowledge passed down through generations. Let's explore the current state of dying languages in India and the efforts to conserve them.

Introduction to Endangered Languages in India

India is home to over 780 languages, as documented by Ganesh Narayan Devy during the People's Linguistic Survey of India in 2010. However, many of these languages are on the verge of extinction. UNESCO has categorized languages based on their level of endangerment, with significant numbers in India falling into vulnerable, definitely endangered, and critically endangered categories.

Endangered Languages: A Closer Look

According to UNESCO, 197 languages in India are reported to be endangered, with 81 being vulnerable, 63 severely endangered, 6 critically endangered, 42 extinct, and 5 critically endangered.

Some specific examples of extinct languages include:

Aka-Bo: The last speaker, Boa Sr, died in 2010, breaking a 65,000-year link to one of the world's oldest cultures. Majhi: This Indo-European language became extinct when its last living speaker, Thak Bahadur Majhi, passed away in 2016.

The Indian government and various organizations have initiated programs to document and preserve these endangered languages. For instance, the Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) aims to document about 520 languages, starting with the documentation of 117 languages.

Preservation Efforts and Strategies

To conserve and protect these languages, several strategies have been implemented. One key approach is to promote livelihood support for the speakers of these languages. According to Ganesh Narayan Devy, "If they have livelihood available within their language, nobody would want to switch to any other language."

Other strategies include documenting linguistic data, promoting multilingual education, and creating digital records. The use of technology, such as dictionaries and digital databases, can help preserve these languages for future generations.

Examples of Successful Conservation Efforts

One notable example is the discovery of the hidden language, Koro, in Arunachal Pradesh. This language was identified and documented by researchers Gregory Anderson and K. David Harrison, highlighting the importance of continuous exploration and documentation.

In another instance, Marie Wilcox created a dictionary for Wukuchumni, a North American language, ensuring its survival. This act underscores the potential for active preservation efforts when communities and researchers collaborate effectively.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Critics argue that the UNESCO Atlas lists only five Indian languages as having become extinct since 1950, which may not be entirely accurate. Some linguists question the methods used in the UNESCO Atlas, suggesting a broader or more comprehensive approach is needed to truly understand the state of India's endangered languages.

Additionally, the Census data, released only for languages spoken by over 10,000 people, may not capture the full picture of linguistic diversity. Comprehensive surveys and continuous documentation are essential for a thorough understanding of language endangerment in India.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Every two weeks, a language dies, taking with it invaluable knowledge and cultural heritage. It is crucial to document and preserve these languages before they become critically endangered or extinct. Through concerted efforts, India can safeguard its rich linguistic diversity, promoting cultural preservation and understanding.

The preservation of endangered languages not only enriches our understanding of human history but also ensures the survival of unique worldviews and traditional knowledge. By supporting and documenting these languages, India can lead the way in global linguistic conservation efforts.