A dictionary to prevent a language from vanishing

Source: The post is based on the article “A dictionary to prevent a language from vanishing” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Art and culture

News: The article is about a rare language, Toto, spoken by 1,600 people near West Bengal and Bhutan. A professor from the University of Calcutta is making a dictionary for Toto to help preserve it. The dictionary will translate Toto words into Bengali and English, using Bengali script, as the Toto community is more familiar with it. The project aims to keep the language from disappearing and integrate marginal languages into the academic curriculum. A dictionary to prevent a language from vanishing.

What is Toto Shabda Sangraha?

Toto Shabda Sangraha: It’s a forthcoming dictionary focused on the Toto language.

Purpose: It aims to preserve the Toto language, primarily oral until now, by documenting its vocabulary.

Languages Included: Will feature Toto words translated into Bengali and English.

Script Used: Utilizes the Bengali script, as it is more familiar to the Toto community.

Compilers: The dictionary has been compiled by Bhakta Toto, and professor Mrinmoy Pramanick is closely associated with the project.

Release & Publication: It will be released in Kolkata on October 7, and is published by the trust and Bhasha Samsad.

What is the significance of Toto Shabda Sangraha?

Significance for Preservation: Toto Shabda Sangraha is crucial as it aids in preserving the Toto language which is mainly alive orally among 1,600 speakers.

Dictionary for a Rare Language: It’s significant as it is possibly the first attempt to compile a dictionary for this language.

Enhanced Accessibility: By translating Toto words into Bengali and English using Bengali script, it makes the language more accessible to its native speakers and learners.

Community Benefit: It supports the Toto community members in staying connected with their native language, even if they are studying in English and Bengali.

Historical Importance: It is described as “historic” by Mrinmoy Pramanick as the Toto community does not have any collection of words or a published primer.