Editor,
I write to express my deep concern about a troubling trend I have observed among the youth and teenagers of the state, particularly in the capital complex. It has become increasingly apparent that our youth and teenagers are gradually abandoning their local dialects in favor of Hindi. Please note that Hindi is not a national language; it is just an official language. This shift is not merely a matter of personal preference; it poses a significant threat to the cultural identity of our indigenous communities.
Recently, I witnessed an incident that underscores this issue. A friend’s cousin was conversing on the phone in Hindi. Curious, I asked if the person on the other end of the call was from his tribe. He said “Yes,” and then I inquired why he wasn’t speaking in his local dialect with his friend. He had no reply. I believe this is not an isolated case but a reflection of a broader and more alarming trend.
In schools and colleges across the capital complex, youths from the same tribe are often found speaking with each other in Hindi rather than in their own languages. This contrasts sharply with the situation in other tribal states. For example, in Meghalaya, the Khasis speak Khasi, the Jaintias speak Jaintia; in Nagaland, the Nagas use their local dialects such as Ao, Angami, Rengma and Nagamese. In Mizoram, the Mizos converse in Mizo, and in Assam, Assamese and Bodo languages are widely used. So why is it that in Arunachal Pradesh, our youth are losing touch with their linguistic heritage? Some might argue that there is no common language in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the issue is not just about a common language but the fact that within their own tribes and sub-tribes, local dialects are not being used. This is what I am trying to highlight.
This is a matter of great concern. If this trend continues, there is a real danger that our rich linguistic diversity will be lost, replaced by a uniform use of Hindi. This would be a tragic loss for our culture and heritage.
I strongly believe that student leaders from various unions must collaborate with the government to address this issue. One effective solution would be the introduction of Tani clan subjects in schools, starting from the capital complex region and extending gradually to other districts where sub-tribes speak their own local dialects. There should be dedicated periods for learning Apatani, Nyishi, Adi, Galo, and Tagin languages, with students grouped accordingly. This will help the next generation, particularly teenagers who may undervalue their local dialects, to realize the importance of preserving their languages. This approach would not only help preserve our languages but also create employment opportunities through the need for qualified teachers.
For instance, the Khasi subject was introduced by the Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education many years ago, and Khasi students continue to study their language up to Class 12 in Shillong. This example should serve as an inspiration for the leaders and authorities of Arunachal Pradesh to take immediate action.
As we talk about preserving our culture and protecting the indigenous rights of our state, we must remember that language is a fundamental part of that culture. If we fail to address this issue now, we risk losing a vital part of our identity.
The leaders of our state must recognize the seriousness of this issue and take the necessary steps to ensure that our languages are preserved for future generations.
An Indigenous Folk