LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 11 : 5 May 2011
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.

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Sharing the Future: The Language Situation in Manipur

N. Pramodini, Ph.D.

Abstract

The configuration of Manipur's ethnic, cultural and, above all, linguistic diversity is not only a unique asset for the state but also for the nation. Though small in size, there are thirty-three recognized distinct languages besides Manipuri, spreading over the entire geographical area of Manipur. The management of linguistic, cultural pluralism and other diversities has become the focus of attention because of their increasing importance.

This article is primarily concerned with the role of policy and education in language rights and revitalization efforts in Manipur. As part of the study, a brief account of globalization and its impact on languages is given. Next the complex linguistic situation in Manipur is being explored. The correct language situation would eventually help us in forming a correct language policy which will promote the development of our society and prevent us from making mistakes that will lead to the waste of money, manpower and materials.

Background

Manipuri is a principal language in the state of Manipur, the area under study. Going back, it is observed that since the ancient times Manipuri has a rich literary tradition associated with it and its own ancient script. It is the only language which has a script developed on its own among the Tibeto-Burman languages spoken in India. Manipur is a rich melting cauldron of linguistic and cultural diversity. The configuration of Manipur's ethnic, cultural and above all linguistic diversity is not only a unique asset for the state but also for the nation. Though small in size, there are thirty-three recognized distinct languages besides Manipuri, spreading over the entire geographical area of Manipur.

The population of these ethnic communities differs greatly. Some of them are, however, characterized by declining number of speakers and are on the verge of extinction, for example, Thangal and Tarao (spoken by a few hundred persons).The situation is apparently no better with languages of larger ethnic communities.

Indigenous languages around the world are under attack subject to seemingly irresistible social, political and economic pressures. Over the past decades minority and endangered languages have received scholarly attention. Attention is given to sustaining the existing pool of diversity of languages. The management of language ecology, cultural pluralism and diversity has become the focus of attention because of their increasing importance.

The plight of the endangered languages is considered to be in crisis. Krauss (1992) estimated that as few as 600 out of estimated 6000 languages on earth will remain through the next century.

In the case of Manipur, although we lack an accurate assessment of situation of endangered languages, we have approximate figures to point out quite convincingly the languages that are confronted with the imminent possibility of extinction.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

N. Pramodini, Ph.D.
Department of Linguistics
Manipur University
Canchipur
Imphal 795001
Manipur, India
npdini@yahoo.co.in
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