Language And Law: Issues And Challenges Of Tribal Languages Of Assam With Special Reference To Tai Ahom Language
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Sahinur Islam (Advocate at Murshidabad Civil & Criminal Court, West Bengal) (LLM in Human Rights Laws).
Swati Deka (LLM in Human Rights Laws).
ABSTRACT
North East, being a “linguistic mosaic” with a variety of over different 400 languages being spoken in the region, Assam is abode to a multilingual and multi-ethnic population. The Assamese language is widely utilized in Assam as both the official “state” language and a “means of communication”. Additionally, “Assamese” serves as the primary medium of instruction in government schools, ensuring that every student receives formal education in the language, regardless of their proficiency in multiple languages. The “tribal languages” of Assam, on the other hand, which is specific to each tribe are primarily used within that particular community. These languages are devoid of legacy since they lack a script. Some languages are documented using the scripts of other languages. However, in terms of “written literature”, the languages could not be affluent. Furthermore, languages encounter a great deal of setbacks, which makes the development of language challenging. The recent unparalleled development of science, communication and transportation technology, as well as the emergence of educational development, has amplified this difficulty. Furthermore, the restrained use of the languages has resulted in their extinction. The current situation of Assam’s native languages, the challenges of tribal languages, as well as the growth of the language and the responsibility to nurture these languages, are urgently required. “Tai Ahom”, an endangered language from the “Tai-Kadai” family. It was once spoken in Assam, India, is on the brink of extinction including “Buranjis” (historical chronicles of Assam) with the key reason being the advent and intense impact of the “Assamese” language. The study intends to examine the primary issues of “language contact” and “linguistic shift” in relation to the Tai Ahom language and its endangerment. This study also aims to identify the degree of endangerment of tribal languages of Assam and evaluate their vitality in relation to the “UNESCO” parameters. This paper intends to analyse the scope of constitutional provisions for the preservation of Tai-Ahom language with special reference to the 8th Schedule and Article 29, 30, 347, 350A and 350B.
Keywords: Assam, Tribal language, Tai Ahom, Buranjis, 8th Schedule
