The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) is working on a project to develop technical and scientific terminology in 10 Indian languages that are underrepresented in the learning landscape. The project aims to create fundamental dictionaries with 5,000 words per language in digital, searchable format that will be free of cost.

Which languages are included in the project?

The 10 languages included in the project are Bodo, Santhali, Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani, Nepali, Manipuri, Sindhi, Maithili, and Sanskrit. These languages are part of the list of 22 official languages of India according to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Why is there a need for this project?

There is a scarcity of study material in these languages, primarily because of a lack of words to describe scientific phenomena and technical terms. The content available is often limited to the primary school level and uses English words when regional vocabulary is unavailable. This project aims to address this gap by developing a comprehensive technical and scientific terminology in these languages.

The Scheduled languages under 8th Schedule

The language list, when created in 1950, had 14 languages. Sindhi was added in 1967, Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali in 1992, and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali in 2004. These languages are considered to be “Scheduled Languages” under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

About the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology was established in 1961 under clause (4) of Article 344 of the Constitution in pursuance of a Presidential Order. The commission’s aim is to evolve technical terminology in all Indian languages. The Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry, and the headquarters is in New Delhi.

Important Points:

  • 📚 The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology is working on a project to develop technical and scientific terminology in 10 Indian languages that are underrepresented in the learning landscape.
  • 🗣️ The 10 languages included in the project are Bodo, Santhali, Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani, Nepali, Manipuri, Sindhi, Maithili, and Sanskrit.
  • 🌐 The project aims to create fundamental dictionaries with 5,000 words per language in digital, searchable format that will be free of cost.
  • 💡 There is a scarcity of study material in these languages, primarily because of a lack of words to describe scientific phenomena and technical terms.
  • 🎓 The content available is often limited to the primary school level and uses English words when regional vocabulary is unavailable.
  • 📜 These languages are considered to be “Scheduled Languages” under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
  • 🏛️ The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology was established in 1961 under clause (4) of Article 344 of the Constitution in pursuance of a Presidential Order.
  • 📝 The commission’s aim is to evolve technical terminology in all Indian languages.
  • 🏢 The Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry, and the headquarters is in New Delhi.
  • 🌍 The initiative will help create a more inclusive learning environment and promote the use of regional languages in education.
Why In News

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) is working to bridge the gap in the learning landscape by developing technical and scientific terminology in 10 Indian languages that have been historically underrepresented. By creating fundamental dictionaries with 5,000 words per language, in digital and searchable formats, CSTT aims to improve access to education and promote the use of regional languages in technical and scientific fields.

MCQs about Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology

  1. What is the main goal of the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)?
    A. To promote English as the primary language of education in India.
    B. To create dictionaries for all Indian languages.
    C. To develop technical and scientific terminology in underrepresented Indian languages.
    D. To establish a new university for technical and scientific studies.
    Correct Answer: C. To develop technical and scientific terminology in underrepresented Indian languages.
    Explanation: The main goal of the CSTT is to develop technical and scientific terminology in underrepresented Indian languages, as stated in the essay.
  2. Which of the following is NOT one of the 10 languages included in the CSTT’s project?
    A. Bodo.
    B. Konkani.
    C. Bengali.
    D. Manipuri.
    Correct Answer: C. Bengali.
    Explanation: The 10 languages included in the CSTT’s project are Bodo, Santhali, Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani, Nepali, Manipuri, Sindhi, Maithili, and Sanskrit, as stated in the essay.
  3. What is the reason for the lack of study material in the underrepresented Indian languages?
    A. Lack of interest from the government.
    B. Limited access to education in these languages.
    C. A scarcity of words to describe scientific phenomena and technical terms.
    D. The high cost of publishing materials in these languages.
    Correct Answer: C. A scarcity of words to describe scientific phenomena and technical terms.
    Explanation: The scarcity of study material in underrepresented Indian languages is primarily due to a lack of words to describe scientific phenomena and technical terms, as stated in the essay.
  4. Which ministry is the nodal ministry for the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology?
    A. Ministry of Home Affairs.
    B. Ministry of Education.
    C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Education.
    Explanation: The Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry for the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology, as stated in the essay.

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