Classification of languages problematic in modern India

Source: The post classification of languages problematic in modern India has been created, based on the article “New additions to classical languages list: Yet another divide-and-rule strategy” published in “Indian Express” on 8th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Society-Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Context: The article discusses how British colonial policies divided Indian society, leading to modern divisions based on language, religion, and caste. It critiques the recent decision by the Union Cabinet to classify Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as “classical” languages, arguing this fosters inequality and neglects many languages, undermining the value of all linguistic identities.

For detailed information on Classical Language Status Granted to Five New Languages read this article here

What is meant by “classical language”?

1. Languages like Chinese, Sanskrit, Arabic, Greek, and Latin are universally accepted as classical due to their ancient literary and philosophical contributions.
2. Classical languages often provide root words or affixes to modern languages; for example, Latin “intelligentia” in “artificial intelligence.”
3. The term “classical” became common in the 16th century, particularly in Europe, to distinguish refined languages from so-called “barbaric” or vernacular ones.
4. The Union Cabinet extended the “classical language” tag to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia already enjoy this status.
5. In India, there are over 1,000 “mother tongues,” around 121 “languages,” 22 “scheduled languages” in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and 11 “classical languages.”
6. Pali and Prakrit(s) are considered classical but are not part of the 8th Schedule, unlike some scheduled languages.

Why is the classification of languages problematic in modern India?

1. Promotes Division: The classification of languages as “classical” creates divisions, similar to the British “divide and rule” policy.
2. The focus on a few “classical” languages risks neglecting over a thousand other mother tongues, as evidenced by the Census data from 2011, where many languages were not recognized officially. India’s language pyramid has 1,369 accepted “mother tongues” (2011 Census), with only 121 considered “languages.”
3. Such classifications, while bolstering majoritarian pride, neglect thousands of mother tongues and undermine linguistic diversity, leading to the extinction of many languages.

Way forward

Every language has its unique worldview and deserves equal respect and preservation efforts from both speakers and the state to maintain cultural diversity and linguistic heritage.

Question for practice:

Examine how the classification of languages as “classical” in India promotes division and neglects the preservation of linguistic diversity.