Issue 9

22
G-Talk
Is the Assamese language losing
significance among the youth?
GPLUS AUG 24 - AUG 30, 2013
POINT
Dr Paromananda Rajbongshi
Vice President, Asam Sahitya Sabha
In recent times, in Assam, we are talking about problems like ethnic clashes, and
identity crises of the indigenous people. These are considered to be the burning problems
of Assam. This is true, but with this, there is another important aspect, which is
related to our roots – our mother tongue.
The future of our state depends upon the politicians and respected intellectuals
of the state. But in this age of globalisation, nobody has sensed the massive problem,
which is the future of the indigenous language. We lost our language right at the moment
when the demand for Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and other new
states were created, bifurcating greater Assam, was
“
fulfilled. I do not know why nobody has ever been
able to raise a voice against it.
The Assamese language was not only the language
of Assam but once it was the connecting language
of the whole Northeast. Now, every linguist
and intellectual would acknowledge the fact that
unlike Karbi, Bodo and other tribal languages, the
Assamese language was never a language of a single
community.
Back in 1960, the language was recognised as
the state language but due to the negligence shown
on the part of the state government, the recognition
was not comprehended and implemented properly.
Therefore, now we are suffering from some apprehensions.
The prime reason for this is that no language
will survive if we do not give importance to
the practical aspect of it or if we do not frame some
rules for the language both in the academic and intellectual
fields.
Let us take the examples of the English language.
If we decrease the usage and omit some
rules from it, then the popularity of the language
will recede automatically. Because of the importance
given to the English language by different
countries, it has become one of the major languages
in the world. However, at the same time, if we look
into countries like China and Japan, we see that
these countries have not paid much attention to the
We lost our
language right
at the moment
when the
demand for
Meghalaya,
Nagaland,
Arunachal
Pradesh and
other new
states were
created, bifurcating
greater
Assam, was
fulfilled.
English language. But, this has not hindered their progress. Are these countries lagging
behind in any way?
Therefore, the situation prevalent across India and Assam regarding the English
language is similar to that of the slavery of the British. I would like to say it as, ‘We
have not been able to be independent from the slavery of the British’. There is no
doubt that if the Sanskrit or Hindi language had been the foundation, then we would
have used these languages in our practical lives. We think that if we want to make
use of the computer, we need to know English and with this mentality, we ourselves
have imposed the chain of slavery of the British over us. There is no chance that we
can leave this language.
Because of the government’s negligence towards the Assamese language, the new
generation is slowly forgetting its use automatically. We cannot blame them. Even if
some people consider me controversial, I must say that the Asom Sahitya Sabha has
not found any reason to challenge the use of English. But, one thing I must say that if
somebody wants to become famous without having the knowledge of the Assamese
language, then he or she would be like a rootless tree.
Priyashree Kashyap
Assamese film actor
COUNTERPOINT
Tumi Axomiya niki? (Are you an Assamese) Spending 8 years in the dream
city Mumbai, this has been one of the most stimulating moments for me.
The love and pride for the language has always been superlative. The thought
of the Assamese language losing its grip or even accusing the youth for it,
doesn’t seem true to me. The funny contradiction here is that the people, who
enrol us into convents and English medium schools as a child expecting us to
speak, read and write in English, are the same ones who question and accuse
us for not being an expert in our own language. Gratified people including
our loved ones are a myth. Assamese youth
We expect our
elders to correct
and guide
us when we are
wrong and not
isolate or underestimate
us. We can
never equal
the finesse and
knowledge
about the language
as compared
to our
elders
“
have spread like an epidemic in the last 10
to 15 years over the most influential and
diversified capitals like Delhi, Mumbai,
Bangaluru and Chennai. Also to mention
the most powerful United States of America.
The youth today are independent, responsive,
intelligent, strong, risk-takers
and skilled, balancing the inner and the
outer world with conviction and pride. It’s
the present and certainly the potential of
a forward and a progressive community,
leading towards a stronger and a smarter
country.
Youth of our state today work for
Multinational companies, International
Firms, Medical and educational fields and
entertainment. These work profiles majorly
use the English language making it
more prominent amongst the youth. But
this doesn’t signify the fading-away of our
beautiful Assamese language. The young
Assamese, living outside the state, celebrate
Bihu, Dugra Puja and other festivals
with the same amount of love, enthusiasm
and zeal as we do here. Hearing them sing
“Oo mur apunar dekh” is the most enchanting sight during these festivals.
The massive MTV culture may have limited the use of the local language
amongst the youth, but it doesn’t make us any less “Axomiya.” The beauty of
these Assamese youth is that, along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev, we are
aware of the struggle of Kanaklata, Joimoti, Lachit Borphukan and Tarunram
Phukan. We are aware of the creative excellence of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
as well as youth icon Papon. The way we dance to Bollywood tunes is the
same way we move with grace to Bihu too.
The Assamese language has seen a high last month when Jhanu Barua’s
“Bandhon” was released outside the state. It’s the first Assamese release in
a market which is dominated by Hindi Film Industry. Maybe, we speak in
English, but we think, see, feel, smile and cry in Assamese. Time changes the
way of life and food habits, but our roots remain the same and language is an
integral part of it. We may be living in any corner of the globe, but will always
introduce ourselves as an Assamese whenever asked. We expect our elders to
correct and guide us when we are wrong and not isolate or underestimate us.
We can never equal the finesse and knowledge about the language as compared
to our elders, but we will continue to learn and preserve it every day. No
Dominos and Mc Donalds can replace a “Khaar khuwa Axomiya”.