GUWAHATI, May 3 � The Peoples� Linguistic Survey of India is going to document around 55 living and endangered languages of the State. The process will also highlight the genesis of the language, its evolution over time, daily usage, grammar and diction, the influences of various factors on a language etc.
Prof GN Devy, founder chairperson of the Peoples� Linguistic Survey of India while addressing media persons here on Thursday said that the survey of languages in Assam was launched on February this year and the response was encouraging.
�We have started this movement for carrying out a nationwide survey of Indian languages as people perceive them, to identify, document and understand them, especially languages of fragile communities,� said Prof Devy adding that this survey is carried out by scholars, writers and activists in partnership with members of different communities.
It needs to be mentioned here that already work is progressing on 36 languages in the State. Altogether 60 individuals are involved in this survey in Assam.
Observing on the present status of Assamese language, Prof Devy said that though this language has retained the nuances, it was high time for the authorities concerned to take the necessary steps to protect the language. He also mentioned that the number of speakers of the scheduled languages was growing in the State for reasons like better livelihood options, access to education etc. The survey will be over by July.
�We hope this endeavour will build bridges among diverse language communities and strengthen the foundation of multilingualism and cultural pluralism in Indian society,� expressed Prof Devy.
