Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(hrbhuyancolumnist@gmail.com)
The Assamese language is a living symbol of the Assamese nation’s identity, heritage, and culture. Its roots are deeply embedded in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and ‘Apabhramsha’ languages, providing it with a rich historical foundation. From ancient literature to modern works, the Assamese language has carved out a distinct place for itself. The recognition of this language as a classical language by the Government of India has elevated its significance and prestige both nationally and internationally. This acknowledgement pays tribute to the historical antiquity, literary richness, and cultural influence of the Assamese language. At the same time, the advent of the digital age has provided immense opportunities to present the Assamese language on the global stage. To advance the development and expansion of the Assamese language in these changing times, collective efforts from all sections of society are necessary to keep pace with technology. This recognition has opened new avenues for the study, preservation, and promotion of the language. Digital technology has served as a powerful medium to accelerate these efforts. The journey of the Assamese language is not confined to the boundaries of Assam; it has the potential to extend its influence among Assamese communities across various parts of the world.
The classical recognition of the Assamese language is a proud acknowledgement of the Assamese nation’s heritage and cultural identity. This recognition has placed the Assamese language on an equal footing with other classical languages of the country. Its origins trace back to Magadhi Prakrit, evolving through Kamrupi Prakrit, which has provided the language with a robust historical foundation. Ancient literature stands as a living testament to the literary heritage of this language. This recognition not only honours the historical antiquity of the Assamese language but also highlights its literary richness and cultural influence. As a result, it has paved the way for the establishment of dedicated departments in various universities and research institutions across the country for the study of the language. These departments offer opportunities for research on the grammar, literature, and historical development of the language. Such research facilitates a deeper analysis of the historical transformations, vocabulary expansion, and literary contributions of the Assamese language. Furthermore, classical recognition has encouraged governmental and private initiatives for the preservation of the language. Scholarships and research opportunities for students in the field of Assamese language studies have increased. These opportunities have helped spark interest in the language among the younger generation. This recognition has also provided a strong foundation for preserving Assamese culture, including folk arts, dance, music, and traditional knowledge. These cultural elements have been passed down through generations via the Assamese language and are an integral part of the Assamese nation’s way of life. The classical recognition has established the Assamese language not only as a medium of communication but also as a cultural force. It has strengthened the identity of the Assamese nation while opening pathways for its global recognition. This acknowledgement has created opportunities to present the literary and cultural heritage of the Assamese language on the global stage, enhancing its pride and dignity. It has provided a solid foundation for the preservation and promotion of the language, ensuring its vitality for future generations.
The advent of the digital age has created unprecedented possibilities for the expansion of the Assamese language. Previously, the promotion of the language relied heavily on print media, which, due to its limitations, restricted the language’s reach geographically. However, the spread of the internet has broken these barriers. Now, Assamese-speaking individuals can communicate in their mother tongue from any part of the world. Social media platforms have emerged as a powerful medium for promoting the Assamese language. These platforms enable the sharing of poetry, stories, music, and cultural content in Assamese. They facilitate personal communication while fostering a sense of unity among the Assamese community. For Assamese people living outside Assam, these platforms provide a convenient way to stay connected with their cultural roots. This transformation has helped globalise the Assamese language. Through social media, Assamese content can be shared across various parts of the world, increasing interest in the language among the younger generation and amplifying its global impact. The effective use of digital platforms can imbue the Assamese language with a dynamic form, making it more accessible and appealing to the modern generation. Social media platforms offer immense opportunities for creating and promoting Assamese content, fostering cultural and linguistic unity within the Assamese community. As a result, the global presence of the Assamese language has been strengthened. These platforms can play a significant role in promoting Assamese literature, music, and cultural content, keeping the language’s cultural values alive and paving the way for its globalisation.
The introduction of Unicode has played a revolutionary role in the digital expansion of the Assamese language. Unicode is a system that provides a standardised framework for the scripts of various languages worldwide. This system has facilitated the writing and reading of the Assamese script on digital devices. Previously, the lack of Assamese fonts and compatibility issues across devices posed significant barriers to its digital use. The advent of Unicode has resolved these challenges. Now, users can easily write in their mother tongue using Assamese script keyboards, opening pathways for content creation in the language. As a result, the volume of Assamese blogs, videos, podcasts, and online literature has grown rapidly. This content can easily reach readers and listeners, and with Unicode’s support, Assamese content is now accessible on any digital device worldwide. This technological advancement has established the Assamese language as an active participant in the digital ecosystem. Through Unicode, Assamese content is now readily available globally, facilitating its globalisation. This has made the promotion of Assamese literature, education, and cultural content more accessible and effective. Unicode’s contribution has strengthened the digital presence of the Assamese language, enhancing its global impact. Content creators can now present their work to the world, keeping the cultural and literary value of the Assamese language alive. This technological advancement has given the Assamese language a new dimension in the digital age.
Significant progress has also been made in the field of Assamese language education through digital platforms. The rise of e-learning platforms has taken Assamese language education beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Online courses, digital textbooks, and language-learning applications have made Assamese education more accessible. These platforms have enriched the learning experience for students and provided opportunities for Assamese children living abroad to learn their mother tongue. Video tutorials, interactive quizzes, and gamified learning methods have made the Assamese language more engaging for the younger generation, transforming language learning into a creative and dynamic process. Students can develop a deeper interest in the vocabulary, grammar, and literature of the Assamese language. These platforms also familiarise students with the cultural values of the language, fostering a sense of loyalty toward it. They provide opportunities to learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Assamese language, ensuring its continuity. By introducing new methods, these platforms have made the language more accessible and appealing to the modern generation, ensuring its educational and cultural value remains vibrant.
In the era of digital marketing, the use of the Assamese language offers businesses a unique opportunity to connect with local customers. Advertisements, marketing materials, and customer services in Assamese create an emotional connection with customers, fostering loyalty and contributing to business success. Marketing in the local language creates a special place in customers’ hearts, enhancing their devotion to the brand. The use of Assamese can play a significant role in promoting local industries, tourism, and products, contributing to Assam’s economic development. This commercial use establishes the Assamese language not only as a cultural asset but also as an economic resource. Digital platforms have enabled businesses to explore new markets, strengthening the local economy while promoting the language. This process enhances both the cultural and economic value of the Assamese language, establishing it as an economic force and enabling local businesses to win customers’ hearts through its use.
However, the digital expansion of the Assamese language faces certain challenges. The lack of internet access in rural areas poses a significant barrier to its digital use, limiting its promotion among rural communities.
Additionally, the dominance of major languages like English and Hindi sometimes overshadows the Assamese digital content. A lack of interest in the language among the younger generation and deficiencies in written language skills have created a downward trend in its development. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration among the government, educational institutions, and the community. Investments in digital infrastructure, support for Assamese content creators, and the promotion of digital literacy can address these issues. Active participation from local entrepreneurs and technologists can significantly enhance the digital presence of the Assamese language. These collective efforts will provide the language with a strong position in the digital age, ensuring its promotion and preservation.
At the governmental level, significant steps are needed to promote the Assamese language. The Assam Official Language Act of 1960 and its subsequent amendments sought to establish Assamese as the primary language in state offices. However, the lack of proper implementation has hindered its promotion. The dominance of English in offices has created difficulties for the general public, fostering a perception of inferiority regarding the Assamese language. Mandating the use of Assamese in official settings could address this issue. Special measures in the education sector are essential to promote the language. Making Assamese education mandatory in schools would increase interest among the younger generation, ensuring the language’s continuity. Educating students about the historical and cultural significance of the Assamese language will foster a sense of pride, keeping its cultural and educational value alive.
The future of the Assamese language is promising. Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning have created new possibilities for the language. The development of voice assistants, chatbots, and other tools in Assamese can make its use more seamless and natural, making it more appealing to the modern generation. Digitising Assamese literature can preserve its rich heritage, presenting it to the world and enhancing its global impact. This process will establish the Assamese language as a vibrant force.
In conclusion, the classical recognition and digital expansion of the Assamese language have ushered in a new era for it. This recognition honours the language’s historical, literary, and cultural value, while digital technology has positioned it as a living force on the global stage. Through the collective efforts of the government, educational institutions, technologists, and the community, the Assamese language can secure a strong position in the digital age, ensuring its prideful place in the global arena.