Lecture on Language and Human Existence

Introduction

• Language is central to human existence.
• Major difference between humans and other animals is language.
• Animals have communication systems, but human language is complex and capable of expressing past, present, and future.

Unique Aspects of Human Language

• Human language allows for externalizing thoughts and creating new worlds.
• Language is not just about specific languages, but a general capability.
• Language helps construct consciousness and grapple with external reality.

Language as a Symbolic System

• Every language is a complete worldview, no matter the size of its vocabulary.
• The symbolic nature allows language to express vast meanings with few words.

Historical Perspective on Language

• The colonial experience influenced perceptions of language development.
• The Tower of Babel myth suggests a single original language, not scientifically valid.
• Languages develop uniquely in different environments.

Language and Power

• Languages are sometimes overpowered or marginalized.
• Historical example: Latin's decline with the Roman Empire's fall.
• British colonialism influenced Indian perceptions of language and education.

Modern Language Policies in India

• Linguistic states were established post-independence based on printed languages.
• The 1961 census listed 1652 mother tongues, reduced to 108 by 1971.
• Many languages and their speakers became "invisible" due to these policies.

Impact of Language Loss

• Exclusion from the census affects education and official support.
• Loss of language means loss of cultural and historical knowledge.

Examples of Language Extinction

• Story of an Andamanese woman speaking to a sparrow as the last speaker of her language.
• She died, taking her language and its historical knowledge with her.

Democracies and Language

• Democracies are becoming dictatorial, risking the silencing of diverse voices.
• Importance of linguistic diversity for true democratic representation.

Conclusion

• Need to preserve linguistic diversity for the sake of democracy and cultural richness.
• Story of Madhu from the tribal community illustrates the importance of not letting languages and cultures die.

Final Thought

• Every language is a unique worldview and should be preserved to maintain diversity and democracy.