Syllabus : GS –I & V: Indian Society & Culture

Why in the news?

Assamese (Asomiya) was accorded Classical Language status in 2024, recognising its antiquity and rich literary tradition.

• However, concerns are growing about the decline of Assamese as a mother tongue, especially among urban youth.

What the data tells us

• The People’s Linguistic Survey of India records 55 languages and dialects in Assam, with nearly one-third facing extinction.
• Studies suggest around 60 % of languages in the Northeast may disappear by 2050 if corrective steps are not taken.
• In cities like Guwahati, a large share of teenagers consume Hindi digital content, while English dominates higher education and jobs.

Why Classical status alone is not enough

• Classical language recognition brings prestige and Central funding, but does not automatically ensure everyday usage.
• Without strong policy support, languages risk becoming ceremonial or museum-bound, disconnected from daily life.
• Code-switching, shrinking Assamese-medium schooling, and weak digital presence accelerate erosion.

Historical and constitutional context

• The Asomiya Bhasha Andolan (1960) secured Assamese as the official language through sacrifice.
• Clause Six of the Assam Accord aims to protect Assamese language, culture, and identity, but remains only partially implemented.
• Linguistic protection is thus both a cultural responsibility and a constitutional promise.

Lessons from other States

• Tamil Nadu made Tamil the backbone of administration, education, media, and technology, supported by strong institutions like Tamil University and budgetary commitment.
• Punjab integrated Punjabi with music, cinema, and diaspora outreach, making language commercially aspirational.
• Karnataka enforced the Kannada Language Development Act, 2022, ensuring compliance through penalties and digitisation of manuscripts.
• Maharashtra successfully combined linguistic pride with popular culture and higher education.

Key challenges specific to Assam

• Lack of a dedicated Assamese Language University.
• Under-utilisation of funds meant for language promotion.
• Perception among youth that Assamese offers low employability returns.
• Weak Assamese presence in digital platforms, applications, and streaming services.

A practical roadmap for safeguarding Asomiya

• Make Assamese the primary language for signage, official communication, and public services, with reasonable exemptions.
• Strengthen mother-tongue education by ensuring Assamese-medium instruction alongside local languages in early schooling.
• Recruit and train teachers proficient in Assamese, especially in rural areas.
• Invest in digital Assamese, including artificial intelligence-based translation tools, learning applications, and original online content.
• Establish a full-fledged Assamese Language University for teaching, research, and large-scale manuscript digitisation.
• Promote cultural commerce by supporting Assamese films, festivals, literature, and creative industries.
• Encourage migrant integration through job-linked Assamese language training to foster inclusion.

Conclusion

• Classical status is a starting point, not the destination.
• Assam must move from symbolic recognition to institutional, educational, and economic integration of Asomiya.
• The goal is not mere preservation, but ensuring Assamese remains a living, confident, and aspirational language for future generations.

Exam Hook – 

• Question: “Classical language status alone cannot safeguard a language. Discuss this statement in the context of Assamese and suggest policy measures to ensure its intergenerational transmission.”

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