Exploring the Linguistic Soul: India, a Civilization Defined by Multilingualism
Forests of Languages Blossoming in Our Surroundings, States GN Devy
What makes India tick? In his latest work, India; A Linguistic Civilization, Amitava Kumar delves into the heart of India's multilingualism and its profound impact on the nation's collective identity. Here, we chat with the author about his findings and the role of technology in preserving linguistic heritage.
Q: How did you arrive at the idea of describing India as a linguistic civilization?
A: Talking about India's geography or ethnicity is next to impossible due to its long and shifting history. Instead, I've chosen to examine certain cultural habits that have persisted throughout India's countless ages, regardless of whether it was under native or foreign rule. One such habit is India's acceptance of languages—not just bilingualism but a deep-rooted plurilingualism. This openness to multiple languages has, in turn, fostered a diversity that defines India—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Q: Can social media and AI help in the preservation and sustenance of languages?
A: Absolutely! Just as paper paved the way for the growth of regional languages in India, social media and AI can act as catalysts for linguistic creativity. Though initially feared that television would lead to the complete abandonment of literature, publishing statistics reveal a surge in literary output at the time of TV's arrival. Similarly, AI will present challenges for the human mind, but the Indian response to technological or social changes has always been a linguistic one. Historically, India's productivity in language has been a means of coping with technological advancements.
Q: A decade ago, you referred to India as a "graveyard of languages." Has the situation improved since then?
A: I'm afraid it hasn't. In the 2011 census, over 250 mother tongues disappeared from the list, indicating a significant loss of linguistic diversity. If we continue on our current trajectory, more languages will vanish in the coming years. Yet, there's reason to hope. While many small languages are gradually becoming extinct, there are numerous other local languages that are growing rapidly. For instance, Bhojpuri, once considered a lowly dialect, has emerged as the world's fastest-growing language, with over 5 crore people claiming it as their mother tongue with pride.
Q: Translations have gained popularity in India. How do you see this trend as a means of fostering interconnectedness between different linguistic groups?
A: Translation has a long history in India, with seminal literary works being translated from one language to another. In fact, the Jnaneshwari, a major Marathi literary text, is a translation of the Gita. Translation is woven into the fabric of Indian consciousness—a fluid, adaptable consciousness that transcends monolingualism. India's Nobel laureate in literature received the prize for a translation, Gitanjali, highlighting translation's essential role in Indian culture.
Q: What role can oral traditions play in keeping languages from dying?
A: Over the centuries, Sanskrit, Persian, and even English have come and gone, but Indian languages have persevered. As long as these languages retain their grammar and syntax, no amount of foreign words can wipe them out. Furthermore, languages grow and decline not because of schooling systems but due to workplace dynamics and livelihood possibilities. Until a time comes when no Indian language is sustainable for livelihood, it will continue to thrive.
Q: With the growing dominance of English, what role can oral traditions play to preserve local languages?
A: English will eventually become one of many Indian languages, as it already contains numerous Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic words. The fear that English will overpower Indian languages may linger due to the lingering effects of colonialism, but as time passes, Indians will increasingly embrace English words alongside Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit words.
Q: What role can the state play in language revitalization and linguistic research in India?
A: History shows that states neither create nor destroy languages. Instead, they seek to demonstrate their commitment to languages for political gain. People, however, are the true architects of languages. They use them, evolve them, and—when necessary—discard them. Language is a democratic system that belongs to no individual, organization, or governing body.
Aakanksha Jain (she/her) is a journalist, essayist, and translator based in New Delhi.
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- In the context of India's multilingual heritage, the role of technology such as social media and AI could potentially be comparable to how paper previously aided in the growth of regional languages, fostering linguistic creativity and diversity.
- The wide-spread popularity of translations in India reflects the nation's ability to transcend monolingualism, fostering interconnectedness among various linguistic groups and reinforcing the essential role of translation in Indian culture.
- Bhojpuri, once considered a lowly dialect, has emerged as the world's fastest-growing language, showcasing the potential for growth among local languages even amidst the loss of other mother tongues and the dominance of English in India.
