The document discusses the linguistic diversity of India and the challenges and issues related to promoting language diversity. It notes that India has one of the highest numbers of languages in the world, with major language families including Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burmese. After independence, two major issues emerged regarding linguistic diversity - the official language debate and linguistic reorganization of states. Addressing language diversity in education also presents challenges like unequal access and standardization, but embracing multilingualism can empower students and preserve cultural heritage.

1. Prof.(Dr.) Chetlal Prasad
Professor and Head cum Principal
Maa Vindhyavashini College of Education
Padma, Hazaribag(VBU)
Challenges and Issues in Promoting Language Diversity in
India
भारत में भाषा विविधता को बढािा देने में चुनौवतयााँ और मुद्दे

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Linguistic Diversity:
Languages spoken in India belong to several language families, the major
ones being the Indo-Aryan(600 BCE and 1000 CE) languages spoken by 75%
of Indians and the Dravidian languages spoken by 20% of Indians. Other
languages belong to the Austroasiatic, Sino- Tibetan-Meitei language
(officially known as Manipuri language) was the court language of the
Manipur Kingdom (Meitei: Meeteileipak, Tai-Kadai, and a few other minor
language families and isolates.

3. India has the world’s second highest number of languages, after Papua New
Guinea. The Linguistic Survey of India conducted between 1894-1903, led by
Sir George Abraham Grierson, reported 179 languages (Bhasha) and 544
dialects(Up-Bhasha Or Boli) spoken in India.
The People’s Linguistic Survey of India (2010-2012) reported the existence of
780 languages (without making a distinction between language and dialect).
The Ethnologue classified 447 languages in India.
Census 2011 reported 19,569 raw mother tongue returns, which
were ‘rationalised’ into 1,369 mother tongues, and then regrouped into 270 mother
tongues (each spoken by more than 10,000 people) and 121 languages.

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The languages are further grouped into 22 Scheduled (listed under Schedule VIII
of the Indian Constitution) languages — which receiving state patronage — and
99 non-Scheduled languages.
Despite all its limitations in classification, undercounting, and exclusion,
the census classification still shows enormous linguistic diversity in India and
within Indian states. The languages broadly belong to the following families: Indo-
European (Indo-Aryan, Germanic (English), Iranian (Persian, Afghani)),
Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burmese. These, along with Semito-
Hamitic (Arabic), constitute the main languages in India. The most diverse
language group is the Tibeto-Burmese group with 66 languages.

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The most spoken languages belong to the Indo-Aryan branch with 78% of the
population, Dravidian 20%, Austro-Asiatic languages 1.1%, and Tibeto-Burmese
just 1%, spoken in North-Eastern India. (see Table 1).

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Figure 1: Linguistic Diversity of Indian States (left) LDI: Languages (right) LDI:
Mother Tongue, computed using state-level data from Indian Census 2011
language tables.
Figure 2:Map of Linguistic Diversity of India. Based on Greenberg’s Index
The LDI of India, considering the restrictive 121 language classification of Census
2011, is 0.78. If we include mother tongues, diversity rises to 0.9. The latter is
closer to the diversity index of 0.93 calculated by UNESCO using Ethnologue’s
catalogue of 425 languages (UNESCO 2009), which includes more languages —
for instance, many of the 197 endangered languages spoken by less than 10,000
people.

8. Issues with respect to linguistic diversity in India
After independence, Two major issues emerged with respect to linguistic diversity.
Official language issue-
Linguistic reorganisation of the state-
 1950 - English is declared as associate official language till 1965.
 1963 - Official language Act → English 'may' continue as associate official
language.
 1965 - Lal Bahadur Shastri → declared 'Hindi' as sole official language, which
create resentment among non-hindi speaking people, which resulted in riots at
many places.

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 It created a situation of Supra State regionalism (i.e., North India vs South India)
 1967 - Official language amendment Act - English will act as associate official
language until non-hindi speaking state wants.
Official Language issue-
The adoption of official language was a debate issue not only during framing of
Indian Constitution but also post-independence.
Both Hindi and English were strong contenders (English was the language of trade
and commerce, international diplomacy, exposure to western thoughts and was
more developed.

10. However, due to unequal relations with the Britishers it was not accepted as the
official language).
Under Article 343 of the Constitution, Hindi was declared as the official language
in Devnagri Script and English being the associate language till 1965. However,
the over-enthusiastic attitude of Hindi supporters backfire and resulted into Supra
State regionalism.
(Sanskritisation of Hindi took place in the name of purity, which makes it even
more difficult to learn for non-hindi speaking people)

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In 1963, Official language act was passed to ensure the use of English language
beyond 1965. However, the text of the act was ambiguous and it generated
apprehension. Finally, in 1967, Official language amendment act was passed
which ensured indefinite policy of bi-linguicism.
Linguistic Reorganisation of states
There was a strong favourable case for linguistic re-organisation
of state for -

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However, after independence there were several problems -
Partition (India and Pakistan) on communal lines
Integration of Princely states
Kashmir issue
1st Indo-Pakistan war (1947-48)
All of that created apprehension among the leadership that although linguistic
reorganisation is desirable but the time is not right, since any effort to re-organise
boundary might lead to political-administrative dislocation.

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1. Provincial language to develop
2. Realisation of true spirit of democracy (for realisation of
democracy in true spirit, politics and administration should
be carried out in the language which is understandable to all)
The Indian census' classificatory practices obscures the
full extent of language diversity in the country. Including what
the census calls "mother tongues" presents a fuller picture.

14. "Kos kos par badle paani, chaar kos par baani"
At every kos distance, the water changes; at every four kos, the
tongue

15. Language Diversity in Indian Education: Challenges and Advantages
Language diversity is a hallmark of the Indian educational landscape, with a
multitude of languages spoken across the country. This diversity, while reflective
of India's rich cultural heritage, presents both challenges and advantages in the
context of education. Navigating the complexities of language diversity is essential
to ensuring inclusive and effective educational practices.
Challenges:
1. Access to Education :-Language diversity can be a barrier to education,
especially for students whose first language is not the medium of instruction.
Limited access to quality education in one's native language can hinder learning
outcomes.

16. 2. Standardization :- The diversity of languages complicates the process of
standardizing curricula, assessment methods, and educational resources. Balancing
regional languages with a national curriculum can be a challenge.
3. Teacher Training :- Educators need to be proficient in multiple languages to
cater to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Adequate teacher training is
necessary to ensure effective teaching in multilingual classrooms.
4. Language Hierarchies :- Certain languages may be given more prominence than
others, leading to language hierarchies and marginalization of languages spoken
by smaller communities.

17. 5. Economic Disparities:- Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
might struggle to access quality education in languages other than their own due to
limited resources.
Advantages:
1. Cultural Preservation:- Multilingual education allows for the preservation and
promotion of diverse cultural identities and traditions, fostering a sense of pride
and belonging among different linguistic groups.
2. Cognitive Development: Multilingualism has been linked to cognitive benefits
such as improved memory, problem-solving skills, and enhanced creativity.

18. 3. Global Competency:- Learning multiple languages can enhance students' global
competency, enabling them to communicate effectively in an increasingly
interconnected world.
4. Linguistic Flexibility:- Multilingual individuals often exhibit linguistic
flexibility and adaptability, which can be advantageous in various professional
fields.

19. Addressing Challenges and Leveraging Advantages:
1. Bilingual Education:- Introducing bilingual education models that incorporate
both regional languages and a common language can help bridge the gap between
language diversity and standardized education.
2. Inclusive Curriculum:- Developing curricula that reflect the linguistic and
cultural diversity of India can enhance students' sense of identity and belonging.
3. Teacher Capacity Building:- Offering training programs for teachers to enhance
their proficiency in multiple languages and teach effectively in multilingual
classrooms is crucial.

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4. Digital Resources:- Leveraging digital resources and online platforms can
provide access to educational content in various languages, democratizing learning
opportunities.
5. Language Policies:- Developing clear language policies at both the national and
state levels can provide guidelines for effective language instruction and
curriculum development.
6. Community Engagement:- Involving local communities in decision-making
about language instruction and curriculum can promote a sense of ownership and
inclusivity.

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CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion, language diversity is a complex and dynamic aspect of Indian
education, offering both challenges and advantages. While challenges like unequal
access and linguistic hierarchies must be addressed, the advantages of preserving
cultural heritage and promoting cognitive development are significant. Embracing
multilingualism through inclusive curricula, teacher training, and effective
language policies can create a harmonious educational environment that empowers
students to navigate the linguistic landscape while preparing them for a globally
interconnected future.

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References:
01. Bhattacharya, S.S. 2002. “Languages in India: Their Status and Function.”
In Linguistic Landscape in India, edited by N.H. Itagi and Shailendra Kumar Singh. Mysore:
Central Institute of Indian Languages and Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University.
02. Kidwai, Ayesha. 2019. “The People’s Linguistic Survey of India Volumes: Neither
Linguistics, Nor a Successor to Grierson’s LSI, but still a Point of Reference.” Social
Change 49, no 1: 154–159.
03. Report of Ministry of Minorities Affairs, Govt. of India.
04. Ministry of Statistical and Sample Survey Department, Govt. of India.
05. Census of India Report 2011.

23. Thank you
profchetlal@gmail.com