Linguistic Genocide of Minority and Mother Tongue Languages: Unravelling International Implications on Indian Laws Through a Critical Discourse

Abstract

Language is an inherent and intrinsic form of human communication, and India is renowned for its extensive range of languages. Nevertheless, the languages that are spoken in India, which play a crucial role in fostering this diverse cultural landscape, have encountered obstacles stemming from the forces of globalisation and domestic prejudice over an extended period of time. This paper underscores the concerning phenomenon of language attrition throughout history, wherein numerous languages have become extinct, resulting in fragmented remnants of cultural heritage. The majority of extinct languages were of Indigenous origin, suggesting a discernible racial bias in their eradication. Many linguists see the current situation as linguistic genocide, the intentional destruction of languages to achieve cultural unity. This study assesses the laws and policies pertaining to minority languages in India and examines their compatibility with international standards. This paper examines the difficulties associated with the implementation of language preservation legislation and explores the potential consequences of linguistic genocide on cultural identity, social cohesion and human rights within the context of India.