The Importance of Language and Preservation Efforts
Language serves as a medium for conveying identities, traditions, beliefs, customs, and emotions. It is integral to human uniqueness, akin to breathing, yet often taken for granted. Proper nurturing is essential for its growth.
Recognition and Celebration of Languages
- On October 4, 2024, five more languages were recognized as classical languages in India, enhancing the pride and identity of their speakers.
- A National Conference in Amravati, Maharashtra, focused on inter-language cooperation, translation, and dissemination of literary resources.
Challenges for Lesser-Used Languages
The survival of less-spoken languages is threatened, particularly in regions like the northeast, risking the loss of indigenous knowledge. Economic viability significantly impacts language survival, necessitating job opportunities for speakers of regional languages.
Digital Challenges and Opportunities
- Many well-developed languages risk digital extinction due to dominance by a few languages online.
- Countries are localizing apps and search engines to prevent this trend; similar measures are needed for Indian languages.
- The conference highlighted the use of Bhashini, a multilingual translation app, though it requires further development.
Literary and Technological Considerations
The intertwining of language and literature is critical, especially in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Traditional expressions are evolving, and the misuse of language can lead to societal issues. Creative rights are threatened by AI, as seen in protests by creatives against unauthorized AI data scraping.
Future Directions
Efforts to preserve and advance languages involve engaging young linguists and researchers. Their involvement is crucial for the future health and development of languages.
Dr. Kuladhar Saikia, a Sahitya Akademi awardee and retired Director-General of Police in Assam, emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary linguistic research and youth engagement in language development.
