New Delhi/Bengaluru: India is known for its versatile culture and language. However, according to a report prepared by the Census Directorate of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), around 42 languages of the country are on the verge of extinction and this includes Koraga and Kurumba languages of Karnataka.
According to the report, there are 22 specific and 100 unspecific languages used by lakhs of people in India. They are used in day-to-day communication. But, only 10,000 people use 42 languages or sub-languages. As a result, within few years they may go extinct.
Among these, Dravidian language ‘Koraga’ of Koraga community and ‘Kurumba’ language of Kuruba tribal community are on the edge of extinction. Central Institute of Indian Languages of Mysuru is designing projects for the languages which are on the edge of extinction by preparing grammar, vocabulary, and folk of the language, which helps in research and compliance.
According to Language Expert and Kuvempu Bhashabharathi Pradhikara President K V Narayana, the languages which are used limitedly or which remain outside the mainstream of society like Koraga and Kurumba, always face the danger of extinction. In various parts of the world, attempts are being done to keep the languages alive.
Vocal forms of respective community, traditions, culture, and customs will be stored in digital form for the generations to come. Few languages of African tribal communities were rejuvenated in this manner. The government and leaders of the particular community should think of it, he said.
