APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 01/09/2025

Model answer

Introduction

India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with Arunachal Pradesh alone home to over 90 distinct languages and dialects. According to UNESCO, 34 languages from the state are endangered, ranging from “vulnerable” to “critically endangered.” The decline of these languages is not just a matter of communication but a potential erosion of cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems.

Body

1. Causes of Decline

• Intergenerational gap: Younger generations shift to Hindi/English for mobility.
• Lack of written script: Many tribal languages remain oral, making documentation difficult.
• Migration & urbanisation: Movement to towns disrupts traditional linguistic transmission.
• Policy gaps: Absence in the 8th Schedule denies constitutional protection.
• Economic & social pressure: Families prioritise “mainstream” languages for employment.

2. Significance of Tribal Languages

• Cultural identity & diversity – reflect history, folklore, oral traditions.
• Indigenous knowledge – ecology, herbal medicine, resource management encoded in language.
• Social cohesion – unites tribal communities through rituals and festivals.

3. Measures for Preservation

• Policy inclusion: Select tribal languages can be added to the 8th Schedule.
• Education reforms: Implement bilingual education with NEP 2020’s mother tongue focus.
• Digital archiving: Audio-visual documentation, AI transcription apps.
• Community participation: Encourage language clubs, storytelling events, and cultural fests.
• Research & funding: Expand the Scheme for Protection & Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) through CIIL.

Conclusion

The erosion of tribal languages in Arunachal Pradesh is not just a linguistic crisis but a loss of identity and knowledge systems. Preserving them requires synergy between government policy, academia, and community efforts. Revitalisation of tribal languages will ensure that India’s pluralistic ethos and intangible cultural heritage remain vibrant for future generations.