LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 25:5 May 2025
ISSN 1930-2940

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A Linguistic and Cultural Overview of Endangered Tribal Languages
of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Dr. Mada Srilatha

Abstract

This paper examines the critical state of tribal languages in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India, which are facing endangerment due to socio-economic pressures, language shift, and lack of institutional support. We provide detailed profiles of languages such as Gadaba, Konda-Dora, Kolami, Kupia, Gondi, Yerukala, Kui, Kuvi, Andhi, Lambadi, Savara, Koya, and Reli, highlighting their linguistic features, cultural significance, and the challenges they encounter. Drawing on data from the 2011 census and insights from linguistic scholars, we discuss the factors contributing to language death and the ongoing efforts to document and revitalize these languages. The paper underscores the importance of preserving these languages to maintain the cultural heritage and identity of India's tribal communities.

Keywords: Endangered languages, Tribal languages, Linguistic diversity, language death, language preservation

Introduction

Languages act as repositories of local and traditional knowledge. The value of a language is not determined by the number of letters in an alphabet, the number of words it includes, or the accuracy of its grammar. It is highly valued for conveying a distinct way of thinking connected to the culture. There are several ways in which history and culture are reflected. Three standard methods are used to differentiate between different cultures: dress, food, and architecture. Yet, one of the best resources for learning about a country's or region's history and culture is its language. Unfortunately, many cultures are in danger, and the list of endangered languages is constantly growing. According to the UNESCO Interactive Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger (http://www.unesco.org/languages-atlas/), India is the most threatened country (197 languages), followed by the USA (191), China (144), and Indonesia (143). Among the 197 endangered languages in India, 81 are "vulnerable," followed by "definitely endangered" (63), "severely endangered" (6), "critically endangered" (42), and "already extinct" (5). The cause of concern is that 96% of the Indian languages are threatened by extinction (The Wire, 08/06/2017).

No doubt Hindi is India's first and the world's fourth most spoken language (652 million plus) with 438 million plus L1 speakers and 214 million L2 speakers; Bengali occupies India's second and world's tenth most spoken language position with L1 and L2 speakers of 245 million (including 19 million in Bangladesh). Telugu occupies India's third and world's 17th most-spoken language position with 92 million speakers ("Summary by language size," Ethnologue. Retrieved on 14-11-2017). Despite some Indian languages being on the list of the major languages spoken in the world, the fact remains that India owns the most significant number of endangered languages. Officially, there are 122 languages in India. Still, the Peoples Linguistic Survey of India has identified 780 languages, of which 50 have gone extinct in the past five decades. The terrible situation of our languages, particularly the tribal ones, does not reflect well for India, the world's largest democracy obligated by the constitution (see, for example, Articles 29 and 244) to protect linguistic and ethnic variety. In terms of language vitality, India has a dubious status: while the majority of minor languages are heading towards extinction, some languages (major state languages) are flourishing in terms of user growth, linguistic use (vocabulary, phonology, morphology, and commercials), literature enrichment (including translation), web presence, and interaction.

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

Dr. Mada Srilatha
Assistant Professor
Department of Linguistics, Central University of Karnataka
Kalabuaragi, Karnataka
srilathams@cuk.ac.in
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