Endangered languages of Eastern India

Introduction

Many languages in Eastern India are at risk as mainstream languages dominate communication. Endangered languages in this region include Santal (spoken in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal) and Odia (spoken in Odisha). To safeguard this rich linguistic heritage, ongoing preservation efforts continue to make an impact.

Santal:

1. Santal (Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal).

• Linguistic Background: Santal, also called Santali, belongs to the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic language family. It is spoken by the Santal tribe, one of the largest tribal communities in India.
• Speaker Population: Approximately 7 million people speak Santali across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and also Assam.
• Cultural Context:
  • The language is central to Santal tribal identity and is rich in folklore, oral epics, and traditional songs (Sohrai and Baha festivals prominently feature Santali songs and dances).
  • Santali uses the Ol Chiki script, created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925, to promote literacy and preserve its culture.
• Challenges:
  • Despite its recognition as one of India’s *Scheduled Languages, Santali faces challenges in literacy and documentation and particularly for oral traditions.
  • As younger generations in urban areas are shifting to dominant regional languages like Bengali, Hindi, or Odia, Santal is endangered.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Government support for teaching Santali in schools, particularly in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
  • Also Cultural organizations are promoting the use of Ol Chiki in literature, newspapers, and online platforms.
  • Festivals and cultural events celebrate Santali traditions, are keeping the language alive among the community.

Odia:

2. Odia (Odisha):

• Linguistic Background: Odia is an Indo-Aryan language and one of the 22 Scheduled Languages of India. While the standard form of Odia is thriving, certain dialects of Odia (like Bhatri and Desiya) are endangered.
• Speaker Population: Over 38 million people speak Odia, but some dialects are spoken by much smaller tribal communities and are at risk of extinction.
• Cultural Context:
  • Odia is one of the oldest languages in India, with a rich literary history that dates back over 1,500 years.
  • The endangered dialects like Bhatri and Desiya are used in tribal storytelling, folk songs, and rituals, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
• Challenges:
  • Dialects of Odia face marginalization as mainstream Odia dominates education, media, and administration.
  • Urbanization and migration have reduced the intergenerational transmission of these dialects.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Linguistic documentation projects by universities and NGOs aim to record endangered dialects.
  • Folklore and tribal stories are being transcribed and translated to preserve their linguistic and cultural value.
  • The Odisha government supports the inclusion of tribal languages in schools and encourages the preservation of dialectal diversity.

Eastern India overview 

• Languages:
  • Santal (spoken by the Santali people in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha)
  • Odia (though largely spoken, certain dialects of Oriya are endangered)
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Santal: Tribal rights organizations are actively working to revitalize the Santal language and culture, including radio programs and community-based educational campaigns.
  • Odia: Efforts are ongoing to protect the language’s less commonly spoken dialects through documentation projects and language teaching programs.

Conclusion 

Local communities and organizations play a crucial role in preserving endangered languages. In Eastern India, many languages are at risk because mainstream languages dominate daily life. By raising awareness and actively supporting preservation efforts, we can protect this rich linguistic heritage for future generations.

*A scheduled language refers to a language listed in a country’s constitution or official framework for special recognition or promotion.

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