Daily Current Affairs : 29-September-2023
The Toto language, spoken by a mere 1,600 people residing in parts of West Bengal near the Bhutan border, is on the verge of extinction. Belonging to the Kiranti branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, Toto is primarily spoken by the tribal Toto people and is represented in the Bengali script. The language finds its home in Totopara, a village in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, with a handful of speakers in the Jalpaiguri district as well.
Disturbingly, a 2014 census revealed that only about 1,400 individuals were fluent in Toto, rendering it a critically endangered language. Despite being spoken within families, Toto-speaking children are increasingly taught in Bengali at school, while Bengali and Nepali are gaining prominence in Toto communities outside their homes. This shift threatens the survival of the Toto language, making urgent preservation efforts crucial.
The Impending Extinction: A Broader View of Endangered Languages in India
India, a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages, faces a disheartening reality: the gradual disappearance of its linguistic heritage. According to a 2018 UNESCO report, 42 languages in India are hurtling toward extinction, with fewer than 10,000 speakers left. UNESCO categorizes any language spoken by fewer than 10,000 individuals as potentially endangered. Notably, these endangered languages predominantly belong to indigenous tribal groups scattered across the country.
The Significance of Language: Beyond Communication
Languages are not mere tools for communication; they encapsulate a society’s heritage, carrying within them cultural values, traditional wisdom, and unique ways of understanding the world. Preserving languages is, therefore, not just about saving words; it’s about safeguarding cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge. The extinction of languages results in a loss of intricate cultural nuances and contributes to cultural homogenization, which erodes the rich tapestry of human heritage.
The Role of the Toto Language Dictionary: A Ray of Hope
In the face of this linguistic crisis, the creation of a dictionary for the Toto language emerges as a beacon of hope. This initiative signifies a crucial step toward preserving the Toto language and its cultural heritage. By documenting the vocabulary and grammar of Toto, the dictionary will transform a traditionally oral language into a written form, ensuring its survival in the annals of literature and education. The dictionary will not only aid current Toto speakers but will also serve as a valuable resource for future generations, offering a gateway to their cultural roots.
Important Points:
- Toto Language Overview:
- Toto language is spoken by approximately 1,600 people in West Bengal near the Bhutan border.
- It belongs to the Kiranti branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family and uses the Bengali script.
- Most speakers reside in Totopara village, Alipurduar district, with some in Jalpaiguri district.
- In 2014, only around 1,400 individuals were fluent in Toto, classifying it as critically endangered.
- Despite being spoken at home, Toto-speaking children are increasingly taught in Bengali at school, endangering the language further.
- Linguistic Crisis in India:
- A 2018 UNESCO report highlighted 42 endangered languages in India, spoken by fewer than 10,000 people.
- Languages with such limited speakers face the risk of extinction, primarily affecting indigenous tribal groups across India.
- UNESCO categorizes any language spoken by fewer than 10,000 individuals as potentially endangered, emphasizing the precarious state of numerous languages in India.
- Significance of Languages:
- Languages are carriers of cultural values, traditional knowledge, and unique worldviews.
- Preserving languages is essential to maintaining cultural diversity and preventing cultural homogenization.
- The extinction of languages results in the loss of intricate cultural nuances, eroding the rich tapestry of human heritage.
- Role of Toto Language Dictionary:
- The creation of a Toto language dictionary is a crucial initiative to preserve the language.
- The dictionary documents Toto vocabulary and grammar, transforming an oral language into a written form.
- It ensures the survival of Toto language in literature and education, benefiting current and future generations.
- The dictionary acts as a valuable resource, preserving cultural heritage and connecting Toto speakers with their roots.
Why In News
A language spoken by barely 1,600 people living in parts of West Bengal bordering Bhutan is finally set to get a dictionary. This significant endeavor aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the region, ensuring that the unique language is documented and accessible for future generations. The dictionary will serve as a valuable resource, not only for the local community but also for linguists and researchers interested in studying endangered languages, fostering a deeper understanding of our global linguistic tapestry.
MCQs about Reviving Toto: A Beacon of Hope for Endangered Languages
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What is the primary reason for the endangered status of the Toto language?
A) Lack of speakers
B) Limited vocabulary
C) Written form incompatibility
D) Cultural assimilation
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According to UNESCO, when is a language considered potentially endangered in terms of the number of speakers?
A) Less than 5,000 speakers
B) Less than 10,000 speakers
C) Less than 20,000 speakers
D) Less than 50,000 speakers
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What is the role of the Toto language dictionary in the preservation efforts?
A) Creating new words for modern concepts
B) Documenting vocabulary and grammar, transforming the oral language into a written form
C) Teaching Toto language in schools
D) Promoting the use of Bengali script
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Why is preserving languages essential beyond linguistic concerns?
A) To facilitate global communication
B) To maintain cultural diversity, traditional knowledge, and cultural values
C) To create uniformity in language usage
D) To promote tourism
