Tribal Literature and Oral Expressions in India

Book Details:

• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
• Language: English
• Pages: 186
• Cover: Paperback
• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm (8.50 x 5.50 inch)
• Weight: 300 gm
• Edition: 2021
• ISBN: 9789390866380

About the Book:

This book explores the powerful role of language in shaping society, identity, and access to opportunities. It highlights how language functions not only as a means of communication but also as a tool for empowerment, control, and social division.

Focusing on India's rich multilingual and plurilingual landscape, the book examines the delicate balance between language preservation and social cohesion. It raises critical concerns about the impact of modern education systems that often neglect oral traditions and indigenous knowledge systems rooted in unwritten languages.

The author discusses the growing divide between those proficient in dominant languages—especially English—and those who continue to speak regional or indigenous languages. This divide has led to disparities in education, social mobility, and self-expression, particularly affecting children from non-English-medium backgrounds.

Through thoughtful analysis, the book sheds light on how languages without scripts are often marginalized and undervalued, despite their cultural richness and cognitive significance. It calls attention to the need for inclusive language policies that recognize and nurture linguistic diversity while ensuring equal opportunities for all.