The Language Problem
So much has been said, written and debated about the language problem in India but it is hardly seen someone saying something to rectify it. Recently I read this post about the thing which kind of motivated me to write this post. Let me explain the problem itself before we go ahead. India is a multilingual country having most of its languages derived from Sanskrit. When people migrate from one part to another in large number in short duration, the natives get feeling of insecurity. When a local guy sees number of people beyond HIS acceptable limit around him speaking another language, he feels isolated and hence insecure. His insecurity is raised by the facts like a) feeling of isolation and ignorance in his own land and b) migrants don't speak his language. When this feeling is experienced by large number of people, it turns into an issue. The acts by SOME migrants like a) arrogance when speaking to natives b) forming a groups of migrants c) adamant on not learning the native language of land, adds oil to the rage. This rage turns into
protest in many ways. Though this problem is very old and worldwide it has been observed recently in parts of India and Australia. When this happens between people of same country, it leads to serious repercussions of damaged National integrity. Unfortunately people try to find the answers on superficial level.
Here are couple of steps that I suggest to soothe the intensity of language problem occurring in different parts of the country.
a) Every student should learn at least one Indian language other than his mother-tongue and English. The education system should make the facility available and see to it that all Indian languages are available to study and are studied in proper proportion. This will create affinity in the minds of students about other Indian languages. They will be able to communicate in that language where ever possible. Also, this way all the languages will be studied across the country.
b) The serious implementation of first point will cause a new language to shape up (You may call it a modified Hindi or 'Bharatiya Bhasha') which will be closer to hearts of all Indians as their mother-tongue has contributed to it. Surely, it will take decades to happen.
c) Instead of blaming some political leaders, one must go to the roots of an issue. As long as there is this issue, there will be so many Raj. If you succeed to stop one, there will emerge another.
d) There should be balanced growth of all territories of the country. This will avoid mass migration from one part to another and hence avoid the problems rising from them.
e) Hindi is surely a widely spoken language in India and should be respected. But expecting it to be only national language is wrong. Other Indian languages should also be equally respected. It has been observed that SOME people with Hindi as their mother-tongue expect others to learn hindi and communicate with them ONLY in Hindi where ever they go. This will surely make Hindi as indomitable language of the country but at the same time KILL all other Indian languages.
f) People who migrate to another region and live their for lifelong must learn the language of the land. It is a very good way to respect the land which gives them their bread and butter.
g) Natives must not expect tourists and short-time visitors to speak the native language. Natives should observe generosity of speaking in common language to such short-time visitors, ins ted of being formidable and adamant for their mother-tongue.
h) Finally, one must understand and remember that languages are meant to join hearts and not to break them.
Comments are welcome.
