Power Dynamics, Language Death, and Multilingual Material Development in South Asia

Abstract

Linguistic diversity in South Asia is marked by a complex interplay of historical, political, and social forces that determine the survival or decline of languages. This presentation explores the power dynamics between dominant and marginalized languages, highlighting how state policies, economic imperatives, and globalization contribute to language endangerment and, in extreme cases, linguistic genocide. Drawing on examples from across South Asia—with a particular focus on Kashmiri along with other Indian languages and the south Asian languages, facing the crises. This study examines how systemic linguistic hierarchies have led to the erosion of indigenous languages and what can be the remedial initiatives to do away with this indigenous linguistic erosion. To counteract this decline, multilingual material development emerges as a crucial intervention. By promoting educational resources, digital platforms, and community-driven initiatives in multiple languages, it is possible to sustain linguistic diversity and cultural identity. This presentation will discuss successful multilingual education models and digital innovations that empower speakers of endangered languages. Also this study will attempt to link Agnihotri’s (2014) concept of ‘Multilinguality’ as an alternative for the concept of ‘Multilingualism’, freeing language itself from the imposed hierarchies. Ultimately, it argues for a shift in language policy and planning that embraces multilingualism as a means of both cultural preservation and social equity. Since this research will try to examine the significant works that have already been written in the field, So this research will choose the qualitative method of research.