The Linguistic Situation of the Tribal Languages of Assam
Heema Rani Borah
Heema Rani Borah, Ph.D. research scholar of Dept. of Assamese, Dibrugarh University, Assam.
Manuscript received on December 15, 2019. | Revised Manuscript received on December 20, 2019. | Manuscript published on January 10, 2020. | PP: 2885-2891 | Volume-9 Issue-3, January 2020. | Retrieval Number: B6632129219/2020©BEIESP | DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.B6632.019320
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic people inhabit in Assam. Amongst these languages Assamese language is being used as a state-language as well as means of communication in Assam. Moreover, Assamese being the main medium of instruction in govt. schools, every student receive formal education in the Assamese language irrespective of their multilingualism. The tribal language of Assam is used among the particular tribe only. These languages lack heritage as there is no script for the same. Some languages are written with the help of the script of other languages. Albeit, the languages could not be opulent in case of written literature. Moreover, the languages have much adversity, for which languages face arduous challenges in the path of development. The current unprecedented development of science and technology, the expansion of transportation and communication as well as educational development etc. has made this challenge more forceful. Also the restricted use of the languages has led to their endangerment. In this case the current situation of these languages of Assam, the problems of tribal languages as well as the development of the language and the obligations towards nurturing these languages are discussed in this study. This paper also describes the degree of endangerment of the tribal languages of Assam and assesses its vitality with reference to the factors proposed by UNESCO. At the end of the study we can conclude in at to keep alive these languages, the govt. as well as the integrated tribe should make proper language planning and take all necessary steps. The only appropriate and useful reliable language for present and future will encourage and attract the future generation to use the same.
Keywords: Tribal language, Challenge, Language problem, language planning, Linguistic situation, language development
Scope of the Article: Natural Language Processing