THE LANGUAGES OF INDIA: A STUDY OF REGIONALISM AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY
Abstract
India, with its vast territorial expanse and rich cultural history, is home to a remarkable diversity of languages and regional identities. This paper explores the intersection of regionalism and linguistic diversity in India, examining how language functions as both a unifying force and a source of tension within the nation's political and social landscape. India officially recognizes 22 languages under the Eighth Schedule of its Constitution, but the actual number of languages spoken across the country is far greater, with estimates ranging from 700 to over 1,600 distinct languages. This study investigates the role of language in regional identity formation, the challenges of linguistic diversity in governance and education, and the political movements that have emerged around language issues. By analyzing historical, sociocultural, and political factors, the paper highlights how linguistic diversity influences regionalism, state formation, and national unity in India. The study also addresses contemporary debates surrounding language policy, the protection of endangered languages, and the role of language in India’s globalization era.
Keywords
Regionalism, Linguistic Diversity, Language PolicyHow to Cite
References
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