Forgotten Languages of India: The Fight for Recognition

India is a land of languages. With over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken, it is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Yet, many of these languages are disappearing. Some have only a handful of speakers left, while others are no longer spoken at all. Why is this happening? What can be done to save these languages? Let’s explore the Forgotten Languages of India.

The Decline of India’s Indigenous Languages

Over the years, several languages have vanished. Others are on the verge of extinction. According to UNESCO, more than 40 Indian languages are critically endangered. These include:

• Mahali (Jharkhand)
• Saimar (Tripura)
• Koro (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Toto (West Bengal)
• Kurukh (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha)

But why are these languages disappearing? There are several reasons for the Forgotten Languages of India.

1. The Influence of Dominant Languages

Hindi, English, and regional languages like Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu dominate education, media, and administration. Indigenous languages are often seen as outdated or impractical.

For instance, many parents prefer their children to study in English-medium schools rather than in schools teaching in their native tongue. English is perceived as the language of success, making many indigenous languages obsolete in daily conversations.

2. Migration and Urbanization

As people move to cities for jobs, they stop speaking their native tongues. Their children grow up speaking dominant languages instead. Over time, entire communities abandon their original language, as urban lifestyles prioritize efficiency over tradition.

For example, in states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, tribal communities who have migrated to urban areas often shift to speaking Hindi or English, leaving their indigenous tongues behind.

3. Lack of Government Support

Many endangered languages are not part of school curricula. Without formal education in these languages, younger generations fail to learn them. Additionally, government policies often do not prioritize indigenous languages, resulting in a lack of educational resources, literature, and media content in these languages.

4. Social Stigma

Some communities consider their native languages inferior. They prefer to speak widely accepted languages for better job opportunities and social status. The younger generation, in particular, faces peer pressure to conform, leading them to avoid speaking their ancestral languages.

Forgotten Languages of India and the Cultural Impact of Language Loss

Losing a language is like losing a part of our heritage. It is not just about words and grammar; it is about history, traditions, and a unique way of understanding the world. Here’s why saving these languages matters:

• Cultural Identity: Languages hold traditions, stories, and customs that shape communities. Without them, a community’s identity weakens.
• Knowledge Preservation: Indigenous languages contain vast knowledge about nature, medicine, and history. Many tribal communities possess centuries-old wisdom about herbal medicine, sustainable farming, and environmental conservation, all of which are at risk of being lost.
• Diversity & Inclusivity: A multilingual society is more inclusive and vibrant. The coexistence of multiple languages fosters deeper cultural understanding and respect.

Forgotten Languages of India: Traditional Knowledge in Indigenous Languages

Many indigenous languages encode crucial information about biodiversity, medicinal plants, and local geography. For example, the Toda language of the Toda tribe in Tamil Nadu contains specific terms for various flora and fauna unique to the Nilgiris. If the language disappears, this valuable knowledge may be lost forever.

Forgotten Languages of India and The Fight for Recognition

Many activists and scholars are working to revive India’s endangered languages. Here are some efforts:

1. Digital Documentation

Technology is helping preserve languages. Linguists and volunteers record conversations, create online dictionaries, and develop language-learning apps.

Projects like Google’s Endangered Languages Project aim to document and preserve rare languages by creating online archives.

2. Government Initiatives

The Indian government has started programs to protect linguistic diversity. The Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) was launched to document and revitalize disappearing languages. However, these efforts need to be expanded with more funding and community participation.

In some states, policies have been introduced to promote native languages in education. For example, the Maharashtra government has taken steps to teach tribal languages in primary schools.

3. Community-Led Movements

Some tribal and rural communities are fighting to keep their languages alive. They conduct storytelling sessions, cultural festivals, and workshops to teach children their native tongue. In Nagaland, the Ao Naga community has launched storytelling initiatives where elders share folktales in their native language with young listeners.

4. Education and Media

Some schools are introducing indigenous languages into their curriculum. Additionally, radio channels and YouTube content in native languages are helping revive interest among the youth.

Forgotten Languages of India, for example, All India Radio (AIR) broadcasts programs in tribal languages in Odisha and Jharkhand, keeping these languages alive among listeners.

Success Stories: Languages That Made a Comeback

While many languages are forgotten languages of India and others are struggling, some have successfully revived themselves:

Sanskrit Revival: The Story of Mattur

The village of Mattur in Karnataka is a shining example of language revival. Residents of this village speak Sanskrit fluently, despite it being an ancient language. Schools teach in Sanskrit, and conversations in markets and homes happen in Sanskrit too. This model can inspire the revival of other forgotten languages of India.

You might also like: Is Sanskrit Still a Living Language?

How Can You Help Reviving the Forgotten Languages of India

Forgotten Languages of India and saving a language is not just the job of linguists or the government. You, too, can play a role:

• Learn a Native Language: If your grandparents speak an indigenous language, learn it from them.
• Support Indigenous Media: Watch YouTube videos, read books, or listen to podcasts in endangered languages.
• Encourage Bilingual Education: If you are a parent, teach your child both a dominant and a native language.
• Join Language Preservation Groups: Many NGOs and online communities are working to save languages. Be part of the movement!
• Use Technology: Apps like Duolingo and Google Translate can help promote lesser-known languages.

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Languages are more than just words; they are a link to our past and a bridge to our future. The Forgotten Languages of India need attention before they disappear forever. By recognizing their importance and taking small steps, we can ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

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