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.
