MULTILINGUALISM

 

In the Indian context, multilingualism is not just a linguistic phenomenon but a way of life. It is the ability of an individual or a society to use more than one language for daily communication. India is often described by sociolinguists as a "sociolinguistic giant" because multilingualism here is the norm, not the exception.

1. Definition and Scope

• Definition: The co-existence of multiple languages within a single geographical and social space where speakers switch between languages depending on the context (home, market, office).
• Scale: According to the 2011 Census, India has 121 mother tongues, with 22 Scheduled Languages recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Grassroots Multilingualism: Unlike in the West, where multilingualism is often learned through formal education, in India, it is "grassroots"—acquired naturally through social interaction in diverse neighbourhoods.

 

2. Key Features of Indian Multilingualism

Indian multilingualism is characterized by its fluidity and functional differentiation:

• Complementary Use (Diglossia): Languages are rarely in conflict; they occupy different "domains." For example, a person may use a local dialect at home, a regional language (like Marathi) in the market, and English/Hindi at work.
• Linguistic Fluidity: Boundaries between languages are blurred. This leads to Code-Switching (switching between languages) and Code-Mixing (mixing words, e.g., "Hinglish").
• Language Families: India is a meeting point for four major language families: Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burman.

3. Constitutional and Policy Framework

The Indian state recognizes this diversity through specific policies:

• Three-Language Formula: Aimed at balancing regional identity with national integration, it suggests teaching:
1. The Mother Tongue or regional language.
2. Hindi (in non-Hindi speaking states) or another modern Indian language (in Hindi-speaking states).
3. English or a modern Indian language.
• NEP 2020: The National Education Policy emphasizes Multilingual Education (MLE), advocating for the mother tongue as the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5 to ensure cognitive development and cultural pride.

4. Multilingualism as a Resource

In modern Indian pedagogy, multilingualism is viewed as a resource rather than a hurdle:

• Cognitive Benefits: Studies show that multilingual children have better executive functions, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
• Social Cohesion: It fosters a "give-and-take" temperament, promoting tolerance and national integration.
• Inclusivity: Using a child's home language in the classroom prevents alienation and improves learning outcomes.

Key Takeaway: Indian multilingualism is additive, meaning new languages are added to one's repertoire without displacing the mother tongue, making it a unique "salad bowl" of linguistic identity.