[Answered] While languages are among the key bridges that ensure cultural and civilisational continuity, globalisation and Westernisation have impacted not just the growth but also the survival of many dialects in this rich cultural and linguistic tapestry. Discuss and also highlight how technology can help in protecting the linguistic diversity of India?

Language is a crucial part of history, culture and evolution of a society. It is the way by which people communicate with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community.

Cultural and civilizational values and practices are passed on to the next generation though their own language. When the language is preserved, the traditions and customs continue living in the hearts and minds of those who understand it. A civilization and culture is lost when the language of communication ceases to exist.

UNESCO has recognized India as one of the most linguistically diverse countries. More than 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken in India as mother tongues(Census 2011), while only 121 languages which are spoken by 10,000 or more people. Many of these languages and dialects are endangered.

Globalization and Westernization have impacted the growth and survival of many dialects

• Spread of multinational corporations have led to creation of English as a standard means of communication, which has undermined the use of mother tongue.
• Creation of a common global culture influenced by the west has threatened indigenous language and culture.
• Increased urbanization and shift towards nuclear family reduced the exposure of children to indigenous language.

Globalization has positive impact too, it has also reinforced cultural identities, which has led to revival of indigenous languages to some extent, but the negative impacts are more pronounced than positive ones.

How technology can be utilized in protecting linguistic diversity.

• Record and preserve languages: Technology can provide new tools for protecting linguistic diversity. For example, allowing us to record and preserve languages which sometimes exist only in oral form.
• Multilingual education: Using technology for advancement of multilingual education will ensure access to education in mother tongues which will ensure it survival.
• Multilingual social interaction: Platforms like facebook, YouTube, Telegram etc support multiple languages that are utilized by individuals to interact with speakers of the same language. This can be expanded in future to endangered languages too.
• Tools for learning language: New mobile applications enable individuals to learn any language without any other support. Providing avenues for learning indigenous languages.
• Facilitating spread and analysis: Technology can be leveraged in spread and analysis of a endangered language. For example, Asur tribe of Jharkhand has utilized Mobile radio to spread and save their dying language.

Protecting linguistic diversity requires concerted effort of not only the government but also the people. Linguistic diversity is at the core of Idea of India and it should be protected by utilizing all means available including technology.