India is a land of many languages, each with its distinct script, grammar, vocabulary and literary tradition. In 1917, the Congress Party had committed itself to the creation of linguistic provinces in a Free India. After Congress’s Nagpur Session in 1920, the principle was extended and formalized with the creation of provincial Congress Committee by linguistic zones.
The linguistic reorganization of the Congress was encouraged and supported by Mahatma Gandhi. After the bitter partition on the basis of religion the then PM Nehru was apprehensive of dividing country further on the basis of language.
During that time some Marathi speaking Congress members raised the pitches for separate Maharashtra State. Following this demand, other language speaking people too demands a separate state for them. Hence, Constituent Assembly in 1948 appointed the Linguistic Provinces Commission, headed by JusticeS.K. Dhar, to enquire into the desirability of linguistic provinces.
The Dhar Commission advised against this at that time reason being it might threaten national unity and also be administratively inconvenient.
After some time the clamor for linguistic states again got momentum. To appease the vocal votaries of linguistic states, the congress appoints a committee (JVP) in December 1948 consisting of Nehru, Sardar Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramayya to examine the question afresh. This JVP Committee revoked the seal of approval that the congress has once put on the principle of linguistic provinces.
The demands for separate state on the linguistic basis didn’t subside. There were renewed movements aimed at linguistic autonomy in 1948, 1949. There was the campaign for Samyukta Karnataka, uniting Kannada speaking spread across the states of Madras, Mysore, Bombay, Hyderabad, Samyukta Maharashtra, Maha Gujarat movement. In case of Punjab, struggle brought together both the factors language and religion (Sikh).
Andhra Movement
After Independence, the speakers of Telugu asked the congress to implement its old resolution in favour of linguistic states.
On 19 October 1952, a popular freedom fighter, Potti Sriramulu undertook a fast unto death over the demand for a separate Andhra and expired after fifty-eight days. After his death people were agitated and it was followed by rioting, demonstrations, hartals and violence all over Andhra. The Vishalandhra movement (as the movement for a separate Andhra was called) turned violent. Finally, the then PM, Nehru announced the formation of a separate Andhra State in December 1952.
State Reorganization Commission
The Formation Of Andhra Pradesh spurred the struggle for making of other states on linguistic lines in other parts of the country.
Hence Nehru appointed in August 1953 the states Reorganisation Commission (SRC) with justice Fazl Ali, K.M. Panikkar and Hridaynath Kunzru as members, to examine “objectively and dispassionately” the entire question of the reorganization of the states of the Union. The SRC submitted its report in October 1955. It recognized for the most part on the linguistic principle and recommended redrawing of state boundaries on that basis.
The then government accepted the SRC’s recommendations. Finally, the states Reorganization Act was passed by parliament in November 1956. It provided for fourteen states and six centrally administered territories. SRC opposed the splitting of Bombay & Punjab.
Case of Bombay
Therefore, the strongest reaction against SRC’s report came from Maharashtra, where widespread rioting took place. To fulfill their demand of separate Marathi speaking people’s state, there was the broad based Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti and on the other hand in Bombay state, there was Maha Gujarat Janata Parishad led the movement for Gujarati people.
After on years of the Reorganization of States Act, the government finally agreed in May 1960, the bifurcate the state of Bombay into Maharashtra, Gujarat with Bombay city being included in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad being made the capital of Gujarat.
Case of Punjab
The other state where an exception was made to the linguistic principle was Punjab. In 1956, the state of PEPSU had been merged with Punjab, which remained a trilingual state having three language speakers-Punjab, Hindu and Pahari within its border. In the Punjabi speaking part of the state, there was a strong demand for carving out a separate Punjabi Suba (Punjabi Speaking State). This demand got communal overtones. The Akali Dal led Sikh Communalists, while the Jan Sangh, led Hindu communalists.
SRC had rejected the demands in Punjab, as it would not solve either the language or the communal problem of Punjab. Finally in 1966, Indira Gandhi agreed to the division of Punjab into two Punjabi and Hindi speaking status of Punjab and Haryana, with the Pahari speaking district of Kangra and a port of the Hoshiarpur district being merged with HP.
Finally, after more than ten years of continuous strife and popular struggles, the linguistic reorganization of India was largely completed.
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The formation of linguistic states is a complex and multifaceted process that is influenced by a variety of factors, including historical, political, and cultural considerations. Some of the key subtopics that are relevant to this topic include:
The role of language in identity formation
The relationship between language and power
The impact of language policies on the formation of linguistic states
The challenges of multilingualism in a globalized world
These are just a few of the many subtopics that could be explored in more detail in a study of the formation of linguistic states.
Language is a key component of identity formation. It is the medium through which we communicate with others, and it shapes the way we think and perceive the world. Language also plays a role in our sense of belonging to a particular group or community.
In some cases, language can be used to exclude or marginalize certain groups of people. For example, in the United States, the use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has been stigmatized and seen as a sign of low intelligence. This has led to discrimination against African Americans, who are often judged negatively for speaking AAVE.
On the other hand, language can also be used to empower and unite people. For example, the use of the Welsh language has been a source of pride for Welsh people, and it has helped to strengthen the Welsh national identity.
The relationship between language and power
Language is a powerful tool that can be used to control and manipulate people. It can be used to create a sense of unity or division, to promote certain ideas or values, and to silence dissent.
In many cases, language is used to reinforce the power of the dominant group in Society. For example, in the United States, the English language is seen as the language of power and prestige. This can lead to discrimination against people who speak other languages, as they may be seen as less intelligent or capable.
Language can also be used to resist oppression. For example, during the apartheid era in South Africa, the use of African languages was seen as a threat to the white minority government. As a result, African languages were banned from schools and government institutions. However, this did not stop people from speaking their languages, and they continued to use them as a way to express their identity and resist oppression.
The impact of language policies on the formation of linguistic states
Language policies are government-sponsored initiatives that aim to regulate the use of language in a particular society. They can have a significant impact on the formation of linguistic states.
For example, in the United States, the English Only movement has been successful in promoting the use of English as the Official Language of the country. This has led to a decrease in the use of other languages, and it has made it more difficult for people who speak other languages to participate in society.
On the other hand, some language policies have been designed to promote multilingualism. For example, in Canada, there is a policy of bilingualism, which recognizes both English and French as official languages. This policy has helped to preserve the French language in Canada, and it has made it easier for people who speak both English and French to participate in society.
The challenges of multilingualism in a globalized world
In a globalized world, people are increasingly interacting with others from different cultures and speaking different languages. This can lead to challenges in Communication and understanding.
One challenge is that people may not be able to speak the same language. This can make it difficult to communicate effectively, and it can lead to misunderstandings.
Another challenge is that people may have different cultural norms and expectations. This can lead to conflict and tension, and it can make it difficult to work together effectively.
Despite these challenges, multilingualism can also be a source of strength and opportunity. It can help people to understand different cultures and perspectives, and it can lead to new ideas and innovations.
In conclusion, the formation of linguistic states is a complex and multifaceted process that is influenced by a variety of factors. Language plays a key role in this process, and it can be used to both empower and marginalize people. Language policies can also have a significant impact on the formation of linguistic states. In a globalized world, multilingualism can be both a challenge and an opportunity.
What is a linguistic state?
A linguistic state is a state in which a single language is spoken by the majority of the Population.
What are the benefits of a linguistic state?
There are several benefits to having a linguistic state. One benefit is that it can promote national unity and cohesion. When people share a common language, it can help them to feel more connected to each other and to their country. Additionally, a linguistic state can make it easier for people to communicate with each other and to access information and Services.
What are the challenges of a linguistic state?
One challenge of a linguistic state is that it can lead to discrimination against minority languages and speakers. In some cases, minority languages may be banned or discouraged from being used in public. Additionally, minority language speakers may face challenges in accessing Education and EMPLOYMENT opportunities.
What are some examples of linguistic states?
Some examples of linguistic states include France, Spain, and Portugal. These countries all have a single official language that is spoken by the majority of the population.
What are some examples of multilingual states?
Some examples of multilingual states include India, Switzerland, and Belgium. These countries have multiple official languages that are spoken by significant portions of the population.
What are the benefits of a multilingual state?
There are several benefits to having a multilingual state. One benefit is that it can promote cultural diversity and understanding. When people are exposed to multiple languages, it can help them to learn about different cultures and to develop a more open-minded perspective. Additionally, a multilingual state can make it easier for people to communicate with each other and to access information and services.
What are the challenges of a multilingual state?
One challenge of a multilingual state is that it can be difficult to manage multiple official languages. This can be a logistical challenge, as it requires the government to provide services in multiple languages. Additionally, it can be a political challenge, as there may be disagreements about which languages should be official and how they should be used.
What are some examples of countries that have changed their official language policy?
Some examples of countries that have changed their official language policy include Canada, South Africa, and Singapore. Canada used to have two official languages, English and French. However, in 1996, the government added three more official languages: Inuktitut, Michif, and Cree. South Africa used to have four official languages, Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, and Zulu. However, in 1996, the government added nine more official languages: Sesotho, Setswana, Sotho, Tswana, Xhosa, Venda, Tsonga, Swati, and Ndebele. Singapore used to have four official languages, English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. However, in 1987, the government added one more official language: Chinese.
What are some factors that can influence a country’s decision to change its official language policy?
There are several factors that can influence a country’s decision to change its official language policy. One factor is the demographics of the country. If a country has a large population of speakers of a minority language, the government may decide to make that language an official language in order to promote Equality and inclusion. Additionally, the government may decide to change its official language policy in order to reflect changes in the country’s culture or identity.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a type of language?
(A) Natural language (B) Programming language (C) Sign language (D) Artificial language
Answer (D) Artificial language is not a type of language. It is a system of communication that is created by humans for a specific purpose, such as programming computers or communicating with deaf people.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a feature of human language?
(A) Productivity (B) Displacement (C) Duality of patterning (D) Semanticity
Answer (D) Semanticity is not a feature of human language. It is the property of having meaning. All human languages have meaning, but not all systems of communication do. For example, Morse code is a system of communication that does not have meaning.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a function of language?
(A) Communication (B) Thought (C) Emotion (D) Socialization
Answer (C) Emotion is not a function of language. Language can be used to express emotions, but it is not necessary for emotion to exist. For example, animals can experience emotions without using language.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a type of language change?
Answer (D) Semantic change is not a type of language change. It is the process by which the meaning of a word or phrase changes over time. For example, the word “nice” used to mean “foolish” but now it means “pleasant.”
Question 5
Which of the following is not a factor that can influence language change?
(A) Contact with other languages (B) Social factors (C) Technological change (D) Natural disasters
Answer (D) Natural disasters are not a factor that can influence language change. They can cause the death of speakers of a language, but they do not cause the language itself to change.
Question 6
Which of the following is not a type of language planning?
(A) Corpus planning (B) Status planning (C) Acquisition planning (D) Education planning
Answer (D) Education planning is not a type of language planning. It is the process of developing and implementing policies that affect the education system. Language planning, on the other hand, is the process of developing and implementing policies that affect the use of language in a society.
Question 7
Which of the following is not a goal of language policy?
(A) To promote the use of a language (B) To protect a language (C) To regulate the use of a language (D) To eradicate a language
Answer (D) Eradicating a language is not a goal of language policy. Language policies can be used to promote, protect, or regulate the use of a language, but they cannot be used to eradicate a language. This is because language is a natural phenomenon that is not subject to the control of governments or other institutions.
Question 8
Which of the following is not a type of language shift?
Answer (D) Vertical shift is not a type of language shift. It is the process of acquiring a language that is higher in status than the speaker’s native language. Language shift, on the other hand, is the process of abandoning one language in favor of another.
Question 9
Which of the following is not a factor that can contribute to language shift?
Answer (D) Natural disasters are not a factor that can contribute to language shift. They can cause the death of speakers of a language, but they do not cause the language itself to shift.
Question 10
Which of the following is not a type of language death?
(A) Natural death (B) Pidginization (C) Creolization (D) Shift death
Answer (C) Creolization is not a type of language death. It is the process by which a pidgin becomes a creole. Language death, on the other hand, is the process by which a language ceases to be used.