Discuss the role of linguistics ethnicity in the formation of state in India
(500 words)
Answers
The phenomenon of communication is essential for human beings. Interactions among people are possible because of communication. Language facilitates communication.Language can be defined as a system of verbal symbols accepted in a group. It plays a significant role in the life of human beings.
The role of language can be analysed as follows:
i. Language provides the means by which ideas and experiences are communicated from one individual to another. Much of a person’s information is derived by hearing words from others.
ii. Words can be used as tools to control the behavior of other and other’s behaviour.
iii. Language helps in Encoding message meaningfully.
iv. Language signifies Culture: Learning a language enables to acquire knowledge. Language implies intelligence of a group.
v. Language helps in socialization: Language can be considered as a instrument of socializtion.Thus language forms a very important part in human life. Every human society has its, own language.
Indian society is a unique society. India is a land of linguistic diversities. There are many languages in India. It is considered that Sanskrit is the mother of all Indian languages. But different languages have different scripts, dialects etc. After independence the government felt that the best way of reorganising states was on the basis of language.
Prelude to Emergence of Linguistic States:
Initially the country was divided into administrative units to A, B and C Categories. This was found unsatisfactory and hence another category ‘D’ was added. But people believed that this division negatived the principle of equal rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution.
The problem of administrative reorganisation was further complicated by the growing demand for formation of states on the basis of linguistic political pressure for establishing linguistic states.
Consequences of linguistic division of states:
Linguism in India gained momentum during freedom struggle. The freedom fighters felt that the British system of division of the country was not approriate. The idea of division of India on the basis of languages was considered as a better strategy. But the reorganisation of states on linguistic basis has created serious problems.
The problems of linguistic division of states can be analysed as follows:
1. Regionalism:
Linguism has promoted local identity. It has created distinctiveness among people. The regional differences have come in the way of national integration. Extreme sense of regionalism has resulted in parochialism and ethno centricism.
2. Exploitation of people by Politicians:
Language has evoked psychological and emotional feelings among people. Politicians are promoting the spread of only particular languages through monetary inducements. They exploit the sentiments of people at the time of election.
3. Erosion of national feeling:
Linguistic loyalty has come in the way of national integration. People are much concerned about the regional gains, than the interest of the nation. Thus interstate boundary dispute, river dispute have become common. E.g. : Difference of opinion among people speaking Kannada and Marathi in Belgaum.
4. Emergence of regional Political Parties:
Linguism has resulted in the formation of regional political parties. At the present juncture these regional parties are playing a crucial role in the formation of government at the centre and also at some states. This has caused the Problem of political instability in the country. It has even increased the cost of election.
5. Demand for separate states:
Extreme sense of Linguism has caused linguistic conflicts. Such conflicts are quite often supported by politicians. E.g: Demand for a separate state by people of “north Karnataka” region.
6. Threat to sovereignty:
Linguism is posing a severe threat to the integrity of the country. On the basis of language people have become more self centered without thinking of the progress of the country. In Some states the regional language is being used even for administrative purposes, which causes a major problem to people who do not belong to that particular state.