Madhika Language

Source:-This post is created based on the article “With just two speakers, a language in Kerala with no script is on the brink of extinction” published in “The Hindu” on 24 January 2024.

Why in the news?

Kerala’s Chakaliya community is facing the threat of extinction of its unique language Madhika as just 2 speakers remaining.

About the madhika language

1. The language is spoken by Chakaliya community.

2. It is a blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

3. It may sound like Kannada but it has its own uniqueness due to diverse influences.

4. It is largely influenced by Havyaka Kannada, an old form of Kannada.

5. The language does not have its own script thus it faces the threat of extinction.

Facts about Chakaliya Community

Origin-They have a nomadic origin. They worship gods like Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma.

Location– Kannur district (Kerala)

Migration to Kerala– They have migrated to northern Malabar from the hilly regions of Karnataka centuries ago.

Status-Initially they were given the S.T. status, but later they were brought under S.C. category. The mention of the community can be found in the book Caste and Tribes of Southern India

Social position– They were considered untouchables.

What are the government’s steps to preserve endangered language?

1. The Government of India has initiated a Scheme known as “Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” (SPPEL). Under this scheme, the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore works on protection, preservation and documentation of all the mother tongues/languages.

NOTE- Endangered Language– As per UNESCO, any language spoken by less than 10,000 persons is considered “potentially endangered”.

Some important constitutional provisions for protection of language

Article 29– Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.

Article 350B-It provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities to investigate all the matters relating to the Safeguards provided for the linguistic minorities.

International steps:-UNESCO’s flagship activity in safeguarding endangered languages is the Atlas of the World’s Languages in danger.

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