Endangered languages of Northeast India

Many of Northeast India’s languages face the risk of extinction due to shifting cultural dynamics and modernization.

1. Jingpho (Nagaland and parts of Myanmar):

• Linguistic Background: Jingpho, also called Singpho in India, is part of the Jingpho-Sak (Kachin) branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. It is spoken by the Singpho people in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. And as well as by larger populations in Myanmar.
• Speaker Population: Jingpho is spoken by a relatively small community in India. However it has a broader speaker base in Myanmar.
• Cultural Context: The Singpho people use Jingpho for oral traditions, rituals, and cultural storytelling. Traditional songs and proverbs in Jingpho are vital to their identity.
• Challenges: Many younger speakers are shifting to Assamese, English, or Hindi. That is mainly due to education and employment needs, which is reducing the use of Jingpho.
• Preservation Efforts: Community-led initiatives, such as the development of a standardized writing system.  Also including cultural programs, are promoting Jingpho. Educational materials in Jingpho have been created. Local efforts focus on encouraging its use among children.

2. Mishing (Assam):

• Linguistic Background: Mishing (or Miri) is a member of the Tani branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. It’s spoken by the Mishing community primarily in Assam.
• Speaker Population: The language has approximately 550,000 speakers. Although intergenerational transmission is weakening in some areas.
• Cultural Context: Mishing is central to the community’s folk traditions. Especially during festivals like Ali-Ai-Ligang, which celebrate agriculture and fertility.
• Challenges: The language faces declining usage due to the growing prominence of Assamese and English in education and media.
• Preservation Efforts: Grassroots efforts, such as the establishment of Mishing language schools. Also, the publication of books in Mishing, aim to preserve it. Cultural festivals and local NGOs are also helping to promote the language through workshops and traditional art forms.

3. Bodo (Assam):

• Linguistic Background: Bodo belongs to the Bodo-Garo branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. It is one of the 22 *Scheduled Languages of India. It is spoken by the Bodo people in Assam and surrounding regions.
• Speaker Population: Bodo has over 1.5 million speakers, and it enjoys official status in Assam. However, some dialects within the Bodo language are at risk.
• Cultural Context: Bodo is rich in folklore, traditional songs (Bagurumba dance), and oral narratives. It reflects the community’s deep connection to nature.
• Challenges: Although Bodo has gained recognition in schools and media, many speakers, particularly in urban areas, are shifting to Assamese or English.
• Preservation Efforts: Government initiatives, such as including Bodo in school curriculums and creating literature in the language, have helped. The Bodo Sahitya Sabha (a literary organization) plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Bodo culture and language.

4. Rabha (Assam):

• Linguistic Background: Rabha is part of the Bodo-Garo branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. It is spoken by the Rabha tribe in Assam and parts of Meghalaya.
• Speaker Population: Rabha is spoken by approximately 140,000 people. Also with several dialects that differ across regions.
• Cultural Context: The language is central to the Rabha people’s cultural expressions. Including traditional songs, dances, and religious ceremonies.
• Challenges: Rabha faces a decline due to the dominance of Assamese and English in education and public life. And as well as intermarriage with non-Rabha speakers.
• Preservation Efforts: Linguists and local activists are working to document the Rabha language, including its folk songs and oral history. Community-driven efforts include teaching Rabha to children in informal settings and promoting it during cultural events.

* A scheduled language

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

In India, the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists 22 scheduled languages that the government protects and promotes for cultural and administrative purposes.

Conclusion:

As we see many of Northeast India’s languages face the risk of extinction due to shifting cultural dynamics and modernization. Efforts by local communities, NGOs, and linguists are essential to preserve these languages and their cultural significance.

By raising awareness and supporting these initiatives, we can ensure that this rich linguistic heritage is not lost to time.

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